PUNE: Steve Smith's Australia have the chance of halting India's Test juggernaut in a series between the world's top two sides starting this week which promises to be yet another feisty encounter between the arch-rivals.After India stretched their unbeaten run to 19 Tests this month, several former stars are even daring to predict another whitewash against Australia who have a miserable recent record on the sub-continent.Australia meanwhile have been unusually respectful of their opponents in the build-up but Smith expects his team to greet India with a barrage of sledging when the contest begins in Pune on Thursday. "The guys are in a great frame of mind, we're ready to go. "In my opinion, looking at the composition, this is the weakest Australian side to tour India. I don't think this team has the wherewithal to cope with a quality Indian side in the Indian conditions. It can again be 4-0," Harbhajan told the Press Trust of India.The last series between the two sides ended in a 2-0 victory for Australia Down Under but their humbling at the hands of an unfancied Sri Lanka is likely to weigh heavily on their minds.Much will depend on whether the spinners Nathan Lyon and Steve O'Keefe can have an impact.

Source: Times of India February 21, 2017 04:09 UTC