AHMEDABAD, Oct 21: Exciting West Indies opening batsman Chris Gayle on Saturday rated hosts India as the tougher opponent compared to world champions Australia who were beaten by Brian Lara’s men in a shock result in the Champions Trophy clash three days ago.

“Any victories against Australia have to be hard earned and this one was no different,” wrote Gayle in his column for website bigstarcricket.com.

“The Aussies don’t give you anything and so to win that was a good feeling. The result has given us a big boost and a lot of confidence for the rest of the Champions Trophy. But the India match we have next will be even tougher as they are in their home conditions and will have a very passionate crowd supporting them.”

“We’ve been here before and know how intimidating the pressure can be for an opposing team taking on India in India. They have strength in depth and talent running throughout their team and there is nobody more talented than Sachin Tendulkar, who seems to have returned to form lately.”—Agencies