Make a final push to glory, Kumble urges seniors

A Test series win over Australia in their own backyard will be one of the most cherished achievements, Kumble said.

A Test series win over Australia in their own backyard will be one of the most cherished achievements for India8217;s top cricketers, many of whom are on their last tour Down Under, captain Anil Kumble said.

The ace-leg-spinner, in an apparent reference to players like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman, urged his senior mates to make a final push to glory.

8220;Most of the senior cricketers are here on their last tour of Australia, so it8217;s very important we go back victorious,8221; Kumble said after arriving in Melbourne with the Indian squad to play a four-Test series, beginning at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 26.

Kumble said beating Australia in their den is a major incentive for his team.

8220;It means a lot to all of us in the team and also it means a lot to Indian cricket. We came pretty close to doing that the last time we came here in 2003-04. Leading up to the final Sydney Test match it was 1-1 and we did extremely well in the last Test series to draw, so it8217;s going to be very crucial for all of us,8221; he said.

8220;Not many teams have come here and gone home victorious, so it8217;s a great opportunity for all of us.8221;

India have never achieved a series victory against Australia on their soil and the last time a team beat them Down Under was West Indies in 1991-1992.

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What makes the task even more daunting is that the Australians have not lost a Test since August 2005 and are on a 14-Test winning streak at the moment.

However, Kumble felt the absence of a quality spinner made the Australians vulnerable and his team was looking forward to take advantage.

8220;They miss Warnie Shane Warne, somebody like him, so that8217;s something, an area, we can exploit.8221;

Veteran batsman Sachin Tendulkar, while admitting it may be his last tour to Australia, said the Indian team was confident of a good show.

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8220;I think it will be my last tour, I don8217;t know what8217;s in store but I am just going to come and enjoy my cricket. Australia has been a fantastic place, we8217;ve come here in good shape and are looking forward to this tour,8221; he said.

Meanwhile, Australia coach Tim Nielsen said the Indians will have to be at their best to challenge the hosts.

8220;It8217;s all great to talk the talk, the real challenge for both sides is to walk the walk come Boxing Day,8221; he said.