December 17, 2007	Monday	Zilhaj 6, 1428

MUMBAI, Dec 16: India have the potential to end Australia’s 14-Test winning streak and clinch their first series victory in the country during their upcoming tour, captain Anil Kumble said on Sunday.

“The last time around we came pretty close to winning the series. We have the potential in the team to go out there and do it again,” the leg spinner told a news conference ahead of the team’s departure on Monday.

India drew a four-Test series 1-1 on their previous tour of Australia in 2003-04 after going 1-0 up. However, the hosts have not lost a Test since August 2005 in England and could better their record of 16 wins during the four-match series which starts in Melbourne on Dec 26.

“For some of the senior players this will be the last tour of Australia. It will be a great challenge for all of us,” said Kumble.

“If you look at our middle order, we have about 30,000 runs there. That’s a lot of Test runs and experience that we have.

“If we can do that consistently (put runs on the board) we have the bowling to pick up 20 wickets,” added the 37-year-old.

India recalled explosive opener Virender Sehwag on account of his experience even though he has struggled for runs in domestic cricket.—Reuters