25 September 2004	Saturday	09 Shaban 1425

MUMBAI, Sept 24: Australia's cricketers are determined to record a rare Test series victory in India to cap their glorious run as world champions, batsman Justin Langer said on Friday.

"It's a challenge we have set for ourselves," Test opener Langer said. "To beat India in India will be the pinnacle of our careers." "The series win in India ... it's probably the only thing the current team has not been able to do," he added.

Australia last won a series in India in 1969. On their last trip in 2001, they crushed India by 10 wickets in the first game only for the hosts to achieve a memorable 2-1 comeback victory.

Langer said: "We hope the result will be different this time. But the cricket will still be exciting and entertaining as it was the last time." Australia start without captain Ricky Ponting, who will miss at least the first Test after fracturing his thumb in the ICC Champions Trophy semifinal defeat against hosts England.

Langer and off-spinner Nathan Hauritz were the first to arrive with the rest of the squad, led by stand-in captain Adam Gilchrist, expected to reach India by Saturday morning. Australia begin their tour next Thursday with a three-day game against Ranji Trophy champions Mumbai ahead of the first Test in Bangalore starting on Oct 6. -Agencies