India are doing their homework on the Australians instead of just watching the rain fall © Getty Images

Anil Kumble, the Indian captain, rued the fact that weather curtailed the only practice game before the first Test in Melbourne but said the team was practicing hard indoors and working out strategies by studying videos of the Australian players.

"We're doing the best we can, using the indoor facilities at the MCG to prepare ourselves. We're watching videos of the Australian players to have as many plays as possible imprinted in our heads and generally trying to ensure that the four days we have left are put to the best possible use," Kumble wrote in his column for the Hindu.

Only 48 overs of play were possible before rain intervened in the three-day game against Victoria and Kumble regretted the missed opportunity to have a look at the young fast bowlers.

"The whole purpose of my missing out on this game was to have a good look at the fast bowlers. I have not seen Pankaj Singh in the middle before and also wanted to have a look at the young Ishant [Sharma], RP Singh, who is returning from an injury, and Irfan Pathan, who is making a comeback. Now I can't do that."

However, Kumble said the team was not unduly bothered and they were looking at "maximising what's available". The first Test starts from December 26 in Melbourne.