India seek to end horror run

India will hope to replicate the success against Australia

India embark on a tour of Zimbabwe on Friday desperate to end a run of poor Test results abroad.

Despite being a tough proposition at home, India have won just two series in more than 20 years of playing away from home.

In 1986 they beat England 2-0 and Sri Lanka 1-0 in 1993 but have consistently under-performed abroad, something captain Sourav Ganguly wants to remedy.

"We have to win a series abroad," he said. "One win abroad will set right a lot of things."

Bedi says the onus is on India to win abroad

India have only lost one series at home since 1988 and beat the formidable Australians 2-1 recently, but struggled on their last tour to Zimbabwe in 1998.

Then they lost a one-off Test match in Harare, to extend their dire run of results.

But Ganguly believes his side now have the players to rectify the problem.

The forthcoming tour is going to be tough and different. Obviously the aim is to win abroad.

"I think we have a big chance now. We have the team to win matches abroad and we have the team which is inspired to prove a lot of critics wrong.

The team is in excellent shape for the tour and that is what counts," he said.

Further tours

"It's a matter of reputation for us."

But former Test captain Bishen Bedi said Ganguly's side would be under pressure to offer evidence that their defeat of Australia was not a one-off.

"I think the pressure is on the Indians this time, for they have to prove that their win over Australia was no fluke," Bedi said.

India play two Tests and five one-day internationals in Zimbabwe before touring Sri Lanka and South Africa later in the year.