Ganguly wants India to win abroad

Captain Saurav Ganguly wants his team to play as competitively as they did against Australia at home and win their first major test series abroad in almost eight years.

"My aim will be to win a series abroad... We have the side. But having a side is not enough... We have to be competitive, like the way we played against Australia," he told reporters on Sunday.

India rallied superbly to beat all-conquering Australia 2-1 in a three-test series in February and March.

But they face a bigger challenge to shake off their poor image abroad when they travel to Zimbabwe later this month for a two-test series and then go on to play in Sri Lanka and South Africa.

India's last overseas test series success came in 1993 when they beat Sri Lanka 1-0 in a three-test series.

Since then, their only test victory abroad was a one-off match against debutants Bangladesh last October.

The probables for the tour of Zimbabwe began a week-long camp in this southern city on Sunday after a month-long break since the Australian tour ended.

Ganguly's side beat Zimbabwe 1-0 in a two-match home test series after defeating Bangladesh last year.

But victory overseas remains elusive. "One win abroad is going to change everything," Ganguly said.

New Zealander John Wright, the team coach, and Ganguly have said fitness and fielding could make a big difference for the tough schedule lying ahead.

Ganguly warned Zimbabwe would be no pushovers at home. "Zimbabwe is not going to be a weaker side, definitely," he said.

"They are playing at home... Last time we lost a test match when we should have won. I hope we don't make such mistakes again."

In 1998, India lost a one-off test in Zimbabwe by 61 runs when the hosts bounced back from a 59-run first innings deficit to dismiss India for 173.

"There have been situations abroad when we got into a winning position but somehow could not make it. I hope we learn from those (experiences) and don't make the same mistake again," Ganguly said.

Mail Cricket Editor