Sachin geared up to face Australia

The leading centurion in both forms of the game, Sachin Tendulkar feels that India is ready for the daunting Test series which kicks of on Boxing day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and taming the Aussies in their own backyard would be the highlight of his career.

Tendulkar, with three previous Down Under tours is the most experienced player in the Indian team. He also feels that India’s successful Test show in the recent past has helped them prepare well for the upcoming Test series.

Beating Australia ultimate
India in their last series came within touching distance of creating history by missing out on winning their maiden Test series in Australia. Going into the final Test with the Border-Gavaskar series level 1-1, the hosts needed to win the final game in order to reclaim the trophy. Sachin Tendulkar’s courageous innings of 241 not out powered India to 705-7 in their first innings. Steve Waugh in the last game of his career played an innings of his life to deny the Indians a rare victory on Australian soil.

The right-hander although maintained that every Test series is on par in terms of importance, he did express his feeling of beating the Australians in their own den. "It would be an important tour if we can pull it off. Beating Australia is obviously the ultimate thing because of the way they have played for so many years, so it makes it a special tour," said Tendulkar.

Changing with times

Sachin Tendulkar, who in his first tour of Australia in 1992-93 scored an unbeaten 148 at Sydney and a century at Perth, says his game has changed with time. "When I toured here first in the 1991-92 series, I didn't make any adjustment initially. I chose the same weight of bat, the same swing but as the tour went on, I realised I should not attempt a few strokes at least in the initial part of my innings,” he was quoted as saying.

Fit and rearing to go
The highest Indian run getter in Tests as well as ODIs has missed a few series due to injuries. However, the right-hander feels his body is perfectly fine and is looking forward to the challenge. "I feel extremely fit and ready for the battle. I had my share of injuries but I think it is now behind me. My body language is great and I'm ready,” he was quoted as saying.

Sachin Tendulkar has scored four centuries from 12 Tests in Australia and has twice been bestowed with the Man of the Series award from the three Border-Gavaskar series he has been part of. He feels that the key to success in Australia is the apt selection of shots. "I guess the shot selection is the most important issue in Australia. Technique is fine but it is more of a mental thing " Sachin was quoted as saying.