Bangalore's Chinnaswamy stadium is all set host the first of the four Test matches between India and Australia. It's been over 3 decades since Australia last won in the subcontinent and India for one will certainly try and keep that record intact. But it seems Sachin Tendulkar will miss out on at least the Bangalore match. Sachin did not spend time at the nets on Monday morning along with the rest of his team-mates. A very big question mark still hangs over his readiness for the first test in Bangalore. Preparing wellBut the Australians, who clearly had no fitness problems of their own, say they are not taking his absence for granted. "We just presume he's going to play at the moment. So unless we hear differently, we will worry about it. Obviously he's been a great player for many years for India, so it will be a blow for the team if he doesn't play," said Darren Lehmann, vice-captain, Australian team.Whether Sachin plays or not, the Australian team is taking India, with its great record at home, very seriously indeed. "We expect wickets that are lower, slower and turn more than what we are used to at home. Similar to what we've seen in Sri Lanka, where we played well. Last time Harbhajan Singh was the one who troubled us, but now they have got Anil Kumble fully fit as well, so there's a double blow there," said Adam Gilchrist, captain, Australian cricket team."Also, Irfan Pathan is doing extraordinary things beyond his age. And the Indian batting line up speaks for itself. So there are a lot of danger men there and we know it. It is going to be a hard slog," he added.
Bangalore battle: Aussies prepare for hard slog
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