India has been the only team to have consistently competed with the Australians on equal terms in recent times and former captain Sourav Ganguly warned the hosts that the upcoming four-Test series will provide more of the same.
"Whether be it at home or away, we are the only international side who have competed well against Australia in the last few years. I expect this to be no different," Ganguly, on the verge of playing his 100th Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, said.
Australia have won 14 Tests in a row and are just two short of equalling their own world record, but Ganguly was confident that the visitors would present their strongest challenge in recent years.
"We all know they're a good side but we also have the side to beat them," he said.
Ganguly put faith in the vast experience India possessed.
"Most of the boys in the team have the experience of winning abroad. We've won against every country over the last six-seven years. They know what it takes to put runs on the board and take wickets.
"We probably have a better bowling attack (compared to the last tour) and with Mahendra Singh Dhoni at number seven, we have a strong batting line-up too. But it's about performing in the middle though," the left-hander said.
Ganguly was encouraged by the nature of wickets expected in Australia, though he said his team was capable of coping with the pace and bounce if so was the case.
"I heard the wickets have slowed down but they still would have carry for the seamers. Sydney and Adelaide will spin and Perth will bounce," the Bengal batsman said.
