NEW DELHI, Nov 15: Sachin Tendulkar says India will need to match Australia’s aggressive approach if they are not to be swept away again during their away Test series starting later this month.

“It is going to be very challenging for me as well as the whole team,” he told The Hindu newspaper on Friday.

“You’ve got to be bold enough to face challenges over there. Take them head on.”

India leave for Australia next Friday to play four Tests and a one-day tri-series against the world champions. India lost a Test series 4-0 in Australia in 1991-92, and 3-0 in 1999-00.

They caused a shock two years ago, however, by coming back to beat Australia 2-1 at home, with captain Saurav Ganguly repeatedly calling on his players to believe in themselves and not to be overawed by Steve Waugh’s players.

“The youngsters will get a taste of what cricket is all about at the highest level,” Tendulkar added. “It will make them better and much tougher cricketers for sure.

“The ball is going to bounce a lot at a decent pace there. One has to be prepared to play shots and be aggressive.

“You’ve got to be strong square of the wicket. If there is a chance to score runs, you can’t use that time to just stay there.

“There should not be a breather in your innings.”

The 30-year-old, who hit test centuries during both previous tours to Australia, said India’s batsmen had been more keen on survival rather than attack three years ago.

India have had a poor build-up for the tour and the selectors have delayed naming a squad following three successive one-day defeats in a home triangular series.

The hosts face New Zealand in Saturday’s last group game to decide who meets Australia, who have dominated despite the absence of their front-line bowlers, in the final on Tuesday.—Reuters