We have the ammunition to play at any venue in Australia’

MUMBAI, NOV 22: Since India gained Independence, the National cricket team has toured Australia four times. They have lost 16 Tests and w...

MUMBAI, NOV 22: Since India gained Independence, the National cricket team has toured Australia four times. They have lost 16 Tests and won only three during those visits. But the Indian captain Sachin Tendulkar wasn’t willing to reflect upon the ruins on the eve of the team’s departure Down Under. “If we haven’t had a good overseas record it doesn’t mean it is going to carry on. At some stage, we have to stop that. This might be the tour,” said Tendulkar.

“This team has its own personalities and possesses its own attitude. So we should try and figure out what our strengths are and practise accordingly to give a new dimension to the team, rather than compare it to the sides of the ’80 or ’70s.

“We have talent, especially Rahul and Saurav, who have done well in the recent past. The team is a good blend of youngsters and seniors. We are trying to develop our own style of play.”

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The 26-year-old Tendulkar wasn’t willing to pin-point any thrust areas that the team would be dwelling on during the tour.Appreciating the improvement shown in fielding standards, Tendulkar opined, “I’m pretty sure we are going to try our level best, come what may. Effort wise, we won’t lack anywhere.”

The Indian skipper, who last toured Australia when he was 18, admits that a tough ordeal is in store. “I just want to tell everybody and remind myself that it is going to be hard, tough cricket.” The Tendulkar anti-dote to counter the tribulation is: “Stick to our style of play. Don’t give up easily on what we have been doing in the recent past and try our level best.”

Both Tendulkar and coach Kapil Dev expressed their satisfaction at the itinerary that presents two four-dayers prior to the first Test. “Match practice is more important than net sessions,” emphasised Kapil.In the past, the bounce on the hard tracks in Australia has been a cause for concern for the Indians. Tendulkar is banking on the practice matches to get acclimatised. “Before the big game, everybody should be feeling comfortable to handleit.”

When reminded of the fact that the Indians have been saved an ordeal of pace with no Test match at Perth, which possesses the fastest tracks in Australia, Kapil sprang up to the defence of the team saying: “I think we have the ammunition to play at any place in Australia. We have fast bowlers who can the best a run for the money. We have batsmen who have a tremendous reputation. It is just that they have to put their heads together and play. We are happy to play anywhere in Australia.”

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The former Indian captain, who carries with a load of experience felt that the 16-member squad was the best possible combination on offer.

Australia’s successes in the ongoing Test series against Pakistan has been keenly followed by Tendulkar who claims to have picked a few points. “I would like to discuss those points in the team meeting and plan accordingly.” He underplayed the duel between himself and leg-spinner Shane Warne, saying: “The series is between India and Australia. Australia are the opponents,not Warne.”

The Indians are high on optimism for the 76-day tour which includes a three-match Test series besides a triangular one-day series which also involves Pakistan. Whether they would be able to translate the upbeat mood into results remains to be seen.