Champions League advantage for Aussies

New Delhi/Mumbai:

The build up for Australia's tour to India has been markedly different, thanks to the Champions League Twenty20.

Australia pace spearhead Brett Lee is in mean form. After some great bowling in the series against England, the Champions Trophy and now the Champions League T20, Lee must be smacking his lips at the prospect of bowling to the Indians.

Lee is one of the five Australians playing for their domestic teams in the ongoing Champions League. Between Binga, Peter Siddle, Doug Bollinger and Nathan Hauritz you have the bulk of Australia's bowling attack. Add Cameron White and Jon Holland to the mix and practically half the squad have the requisite experience of India.

"While thats good, on the other hand, it would have been good to have the whole group together earlier and practicing as a unit," says White.

Two seasons of IPL have gone by after the last bi-lateral series between the two teams in 2007 and that means the players know each other's strengths and weaknesses. Ponting must have even figured how to not get out to Ishant! But some tension is expected, though.

After the T20 action in the Champions League, it's time for 50-over cricket again. The absence of warm-up games might not affect Australian side as they have been here for almost two weeks now and have played in two out of the seven venues - Delhi and Hyderabad. This could make a difference.