The secret of Australia's continued success on the cricket field lies in the fact that its players treat themselves as the second best team in the world, captain Ricky Ponting revealed in Bangalore on Thursday.
When preparing for a match or a tournament, the team considers itself the number two team which needs to get better, Ponting said.
According to the two-time World Cup-winning skipper, "We must never be happy with what we have achieved and try as hard as anybody else."
The Australian team, Ponting said, does not set itself any targets when it goes out on the field.
"We never restrict ourselves because when you put restrictions on yourself, you cannot achieve great things," the Tasmanian said.
The trials and tribulations in Indian cricket did not escape Ponting's attention.
"I don't really know... India is playing under a lot of mental pressure. We must learn how to cope with it."
Ponting's respect for Sachin Tendulkar also came through.
"He is the best batsman I have seen and I am trying to be as good as him," he said.
Ponting was speaking at a function, to announce a scheme through which every run he scores in one-day internationals throughout the year will help get underprivileged children to school.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening primary education and making a contribution to society, Ponting, who shared his cricketing tips with 80 children at an NGO, said.
The Australian skipper said he hopes to score a lot of runs to ensure that underprivileged children get a decent education.
"As a youngster, I was given several opportunities and I never took anyone for granted and I am sure these kids would do the same," he said.
Giving feedback on his interaction with Indian kids in the past two days, he said, "There is no doubt that when I go back, I will remember their smiling faces."
Ponting said he had never seen children enjoy cricket as much as they do in India.
In Australia, he and his wife are involved in charity causes related to cancer patients.
Answering questions from the children, Ponting said batting is a tougher proposition than bowling.
"I think it is easier to be a bowler, because one mistake by a batsman and his game is over."
He also played with the kids and had them in peals of laughter when he said, "I think some of you were very quick for me."
