Without a doubt, the toughest tour for a visiting team is Australia and the Indians are the only team who have come back with their heads held high over the past 10 years.

Australia seem to have found able replacements for retired greats Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne - as was visible during the recent series against Sri Lanka. Phil Jacques scored centuries against an able attack and in the bowling department Mitchell Johnson did a decent job in the Tests after knocking on the selectors' door with good ODI performances.

Stuart Clark played a supporting role but the leader of the attack is undoubtedly Brett Lee - and what a showing against the Lankans with 16 wickets in two Tests. Stuart MacGill's injury has opened the door for Shaun Tait or Brad Hogg. The pitch will probably determine Hogg's presence rather than a four-man pace attack, especially as the Indian batsmen have struggled to read Hogg's wrong 'un.

'The Indians have a world-class middle order which is highly motivated to shine on Australian soil'

The Aussie batting looks strong with Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke and Andrew Symonds in good touch. Adam Gilchrist might be slowing down, but this fact may well spur him on to greater feats.

However, the Indians have a world-class middle order which is highly motivated to shine on Australian soil. The only weak link in the batting is the second opener slot - Virender Sehwag might not be risked but if the selectors glo for him it will be for historical reasons, rather than form.

The bowling is a mix of the old and new with Zaheer Khan and Anil Kumble leading the charge. RP Singh did well earlier this year and if he is back to full fitness, he will be a handy third bowler. The fourth bowling option would have to be Ishant Sharma, purely to avoid the sameness of line and he did a decent job in the last Test against the Pakistan. Sri Sreesanth would have been handy on these wickets but his shoulder injury has rules him out.