26 September 2004	Sunday	10 Shaban 1425

MUMBAI, Sept 25: Stand-in captain Adam Gilchrist said on Saturday Australia will seek inspiration from their success in Sri Lanka as they attempt to win the first Test series in India in more than three decades.

Gilchrist, leading Australia in the absence of injured Ricky Ponting, said his team was in a better frame of mind to excel in the Indian conditions after completing a 3-0 Test sweep in Sri Lanka in March.

"We've played a lot cricket in similar conditions since our last visit to India (in 2001), especially in Sri Lanka which was a significant tour," Gilchrist told reporters after his squad arrived here for a four-Test series.

The opening Test begins in Bangalore on Oct 6. "We succeeded in Sri Lanka in similar conditions and the guys are in a better mind-set and prepared to take on India. We've also been exposed to the Indian conditions a lot in the last few years," said Gilchrist.

Gilchrist was part of the 2001 Australian side which lost a three-match series 2-1 on slow turning tracks in India.

"A lot of water has passed under the bridge since the last tour," he said.

Australia last won a Test series in India in 1969-70 under Bill Lawry's captaincy.

Gilchrist said Australia would continue to maintain their high standards even in the absence of Ponting, recovering from a thumb injury and expected to join the squad soon.

Ponting's replacement, Brad Hodge, and middle-order batsman Darren Lehmann will join the squad later.

Squad: Adam Gilchrist (captain), Michael Clarke, Jason Gillespie, Matthew Hayden, Nathan Hauritz, Simon Katich, Michael Kasprowicz, Damien Martyn, Glenn McGrath, Justin Langer, Brett Lee, Shane Warne, Shane Watson, Cameron White, Darren Lehmann, Brad Hodge.

Schedule:

Sept 30-Oct 2: v Mumbai (Mumbai).

Oct 6-10: First Test (Bangalore).

Oct 14-18: Second Test (Chennai).

Oct 26-30: Third Test (Nagpur).

Nov 3-7: Fourth Test (Mumbai).-Agencies