Former Australia wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist believes India have a great opportunity to win their first series Down Under when the teams lock horns in a four-Test encounter starting on Boxing Day.
Gilchrist thinks Australia are still searching for the right combinations following their recent draw in South Africa.
"It's a good chance for India with Australia going through a transitional period. They are still finding their way. India have got a few good results in the last couple of series (against Australia)," he said. "I think Australia are aware of that. They need to be on top of their game to hold on to their (undefeated) record at home against India."
India have taken the fight to Australia on their last two tours - securing a draw in 2002-03 and narrowly losing 2-1 in 2007-08 - and Gilchrist feels that despite the team's disastrous performance in England recently, the visitors will put up a good show.
"I think the last two tours when India came to Australia, batsmen certainly dominated. The Indian batsmen especially have accommodated these conditions very well. In 1999-2000, when I played first against India in Australia, the conditions were a bit more difficult for them. There was a lot of grass on the wicket and a lot of bounce," he said.
"(However) the general view is that wickets have tamed somewhat and the Indian players - they are world-class players - will certainly find ways to score hundreds in those conditions. I wouldn't say there will be dead wickets but maybe not as spicy as it used to be in previous years.
"The English conditions were a difficult challenge. From what I saw, there were pretty tired players in the Indian set-up in England. Hopefully they are fresh when they come to Australia and I am looking forward to that challenge."
After the Test series which starts in Melbourne, India will also play in a triangular ODI series with Sri Lanka as the third team.
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