There is no reason why we cannot win, says Steve Waugh

Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh said in Mumbai on Wednesday that he was not concerned about pitches in India as "we have made winning a habit."

Speaking at a press conference after the 15-member team's arrival from Melbourne tonight, Waugh said "we are geared up to play on any sort of pitches. We have thought of a plan and we can play according to it. There is no reason why we cannot win here," he said.

On the CBI decision not to question his brother Mark in the matchfixing controversy, Steve said "we are all relieved. We have come here to play good cricket and we can put all the controversies behind us and concentrate on the game.

"We have two warm-up matches before the first Test and we will like to be acclimatised to the Indian conditions as seven of our teammates have not played in India, though all of us have played against India in Australia," he said.

On Anil Kumble's absence, Steve Waugh said "it is very unfortunate that he will be missing a big series and I only hope other youngsters will fill his place.

"In the very first Test, we will like to stick to our plans and try to wrest the initiative. I will be happy if we can win the series 1-0 or 2-1," Steve said.

The Australians during their 52-day tour will play three Tests and five one-day internationals besides three three-day matches.

"It will be a tough series because the conditions are different and Australia has not won a series in India for the past 30-odd years," said Australian vice-captain and wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist. "If we had visited India more often we could have had more wins," he said.

Gilchrist said winning 15 Test matches in a row was a good feeling and, "we want to make this a habit and our main aim is to win the series in India."

Asked about Brett Lee's absence, Waugh said "it is unfortunate that he got injured at the wrong time. However, it is a great opportunity for the other fast bowlers. Leg spinner Shane Warne was not fully fit when we toured last time around. But now he has recovered completely and is totally fit. This could make a big difference to the outcome of the series."