‘Australia will be a big test’

New Delhi – Batsman Rohit Sharma (above) said India were brimming with confidence after their crushing home victories over the West Indies – but warned that winning their first Test series in Australia was a challenge of a different order.

India completed a 3-0 Twenty20 series sweep over the West Indies on Sunday, to add to their 2-0 Test whitewash and 3-1 victory in the ODIs, extending their tremendous home form.

But Sharma said an away series against old rivals Australia, even without their batsmen Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft, who are banned for ball-tampering, would be a much sterner test.

“Australia is always challenging when it comes to going out there and performing. Every time you go there, you are tested as a player, as an individual and as a team as well,” the veteran opener said after Sunday’s win.

India barely have time to catch their breath before heading to Australia on Friday, where the first of three T20 matches is on November 21. They will also play four Tests and three ODIs.

The world’s No 1 Test side are only too aware that away from home their form is fragile. They went down 2-1 in South Africa and 4-1 in England this year.

Sharma said India must “start fresh” and forget about their recent wins if they are to take their home consistency to Australia.

“I think all the things we have been doing as a team and as players, we must keep repeating that,” he said.

Sharma, the only batsman to hit four T20 centuries, is part of India’s squad for the Tests which start in Adelaide on December 6 after being overlooked for the five-day games in England. –