Waugh relishes challenge

Waugh receives a traditional welcome in Mumbai

Steve Waugh has described victory in India as the "final frontier" for his Australian team.

They have won 15 successive Tests and are now looking to register Australia's first victory on Indian soil since 1969-70.

"All our 15 wins will count for nothing if we cannot beat India in India," the Australian skipper said.

Waugh was in the side which lost a one-off Test in Delhi in 1996 and returned two years later for a series which India won 2-1.

But he believes the current team has the strength in depth, despite the absence of fast bowler Brett Lee, to come out on top.

"It does not matter what type of wickets the Indians prepare, we are capable of winning on any surface.

Test places up for grabs

"We have the batters and bowlers to exploit any wicket the Indians may have for us. If we stick to our plans, we can do it."

Australia have two warm-up games before the first Test, with the opener against India A starting on Saturday at Nagpur.

"There are 14 players in contention for the first Test and these two matches will help them push forward their claims," Waugh added.

Despite the need to focus on cricket, Waugh has encouraged his players to make the most of any free time.

"On previous tours we stayed too much in our hotel and did not experience what life was like in India.

"I will talk to the boys and get them to go out a bit. You never really get used to the amount of people.

"The fact that there's so many more people in India than Australia means your privacy's not the same. But one has to adjust and adjust quickly," he said.