Langer braced for the ultimate test

Justin Langer, Australia's Test opener, has described touring India as the "ultimate test", and believes that victory in the forthcoming four-Test series, which begins at Bangalore on October 6, will complete the set as far as his generation of cricketers is concerned.

"In terms of hardcore cricket this is the ultimate test for us," said Langer told. "India are arguably at the top of their game, we are arguably at the top of our game. The last two series have been as good as it gets in terms of Test cricket, and everyone's talking about the final frontier.

"The current team has achieved just about everything there is to achieve really, except beating India in India," added Langer. "We'll certainly be looking at it as the world title fight. We know this is the one thing we haven't achieved, it's one opponent we haven't got over and we'd all like to before we retire.

India took possession of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy thanks to an epic 2-1 series win in 2000-01, and Australia were unable to wrest it from their grasp during last year's 1-1 draw in Australia. But Langer remains in no doubt about which side are the true world champions. "The reality is we have beaten everyone," he said. "India have to keep beating the other sides to be considered the best in the world."

Not even Australia's painful loss to England in the Champions Trophy can sway his opinion, although the defeat clearly rankles. "I think what hurts most is that it was England that beat Australia," he admitted. "If it had been any other team in the world then it wouldn't have that much of a big deal.

"A lot has been said about England over the last six to 12 months and they have a good Test-match record over the last 12 months. So you can excuse the guys for losing one game, as they've only lost a handful in the last four or five years."

Langer himself missed the Champions Trophy, as he is no longer considered for one-day cricket, but he has been keeping himself busy nonetheless. "I've had a long time off," he admitted, "but physically I am ready to go. I think I am as well-prepared as I possibly can be. I've worked harder then ever on my fitness, just to make sure, because they are really tough conditions over there. It's very hot and it's very dusty and it's going to be tough cricket."

It will be tough for Australia's young spin pairing of Nathan Hauritz and Cameron White as well, but fortunately they will be learning a few tricks from the master practioner himself, Shane Warne.

"For the young guys to have the opportunity to tour with Shane, to practice with Shane and to play with Shane - you could not have a better grounding," said Langer. "It's a huge opportunity. We have a well-balanced attack and a very good batting line-up. All in all, we should be pretty well prepared for what should be a great series."