Shastri: We will be taking no prisoners

India warn they will take no prisoners against a battling Australia this summer as they attempt to end more than 70 years of frustration down under. Fronting the media in Brisbane, coach Ravi Shastri insisted he didn’t believe Australia had lost their aura in the fallout over the ball-tampering scandal, at least not when playing at home.

But he said his team would show no mercy as they strive to silence critics of their overseas form and claim a first Test series win in Australia. India begin their tour with a three-match T20 international series against Australia starting at the Gabba tomorrow. But they already have one eye on the fourTest series starting in Adelaide on December 6.

India appear to have their best chance to clinch a historic Test series win in Australia, a feat that has eluded them since they first clashed down under in 1947.

In fact, India have won just five of their 44 Tests played in Australia. Asked if Australia had lost their aura, Shastri said on Sunday: “I don’t think so.

“I always believe no team is weak at home. “We might have three or four players not playing when a team comes to India but God forbid if anyone says it is a weak Indian team because you will be surprised.

“We will be taking no prisoners but are focusing on our game rather than what is happening outside.”