Australian cricket team fit and ready for India
Australia's cricket stars said they were fit and raring to face India after their leisurely one-day clean sweep against Bangladesh.
The world's top team embark on a gruelling tour against their fierce rivals in a fortnight, just months after India's tour of Australia flared into controversy.
Stand-in captain Michael Clarke said Australia were super-fit and acclimatised to the expected heat after the 3-0 series win in tropical northern Australia.
"It's been great preparation. It's been so warm up here, the guys have had a great time, we've had brilliant training facilities and we've been doing plenty of fitness," said Clarke.
"I think all the boys are in pretty good shape and looking forward to getting over to India and having a good Test series.
"Our performances have been spot on and I think our preparation has been unbelievable, really good."
Ricky Ponting is expected to recover from injury to captain Australia with fast bowler Brett Lee and opening batsman Matthew Hayden also back in the side.
Hayden's description of Harbhajan Singh as an "obnoxious weed" was one of many low points during India's visit, with other controversies centring on race and bad sportsmanship.
Troubled all-rounder Andrew Symonds, who was also involved in a bust-up with Singh, has been ruled out and told to get psychological help after missing a team meeting to go fishing.
Batsman Mike Hussey said Australia had gained plenty of confidence and valuable match practice against Bangladesh.
"It's important to be positive, you've got to know where you can get off strike," he said.
"If they're just bowling ball after ball at you and you're looking to survive, they're going to get you out, there's no question.
"So you need to be able to tick it over, need to be able to score and put the pressure back on them a little bit."
Australia are expected to name their squad next week. They depart for India on September 21 with the first Test starting in Bangalore on October 9.
AFP
