In the final phase of their bumper home season, India are sitting pretty at the top of the test rankings after six consecutive series victories. The series against Australia marks the end of India's 13-test home season and Kohli wants his team to maintain the level they have been playing at. Earlier this month, the 28-year-old became the first cricketer to hit a double century in four consecutive test series and his team posted 600-plus totals in three consecutive tests, another first. Smith is aware of the challenge that awaits Australia, who have lost nine consecutive test matches in Asia. Cricket Australia recruited ex-England spinner Monty Panesar and former India left-arm spinning all-rounder Sridharan Sriram to work with their slow bowlers.

Source: dna February 21, 2017 06:11 UTC