Shane Warne thinks he is finally ready to conquer India after equalling Muttiah Muralitharan's world record of 527 Test wickets in the drawn second Test with Sri Lanka.
Although Muralitharan is sure to regain sole ownership of the record when Sri Lanka host South Africa in two Tests next month, Warne will get the chance to overtake him when Australia tour India for four Tests in October.
But the 34-year-old leg-spinner, who took his 527th wicket on the final day of the second Test on Tuesday, said he was more concerned about winning the series than any personal milestones. Australia have not won a series in India since 1969-70.
"There is a lot to play for this time when we go to India," Warne said.
"It's the one place we haven't won in my career.
"It's probably the last time I'm going to play a Test series in India, so hopefully we'll do okay."
In six previous Tests in India, Warne has captured 20 wickets at an average of 52.25, but believes he can improve on his unflattering record this year.
"The two tours I've been there, they have played me really well and I haven't been fully fit either," he said.
| |||||||||||
Warne, who will return to England this week to rejoin Hampshire, said winning in India was now one of the greatest challenges in cricket.
"Hopefully I will hit India ready to go and we win the series. That would be fantastic," he said.
"We are probably the two best sides in the world and it is probably the hardest place for a touring team to win in world cricket.
"I've done well at times against India but over a full series, they've played me probably better than anybody.
"The heat, the noise, the way they play, I would expect them to have raging turners there as well. I'm really looking forward to it actually."
