Ponting prepared for India

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Ponting reports the Australian line-up more than ready to take on the experienced Indians, drawing similarities to last year's Ashes series - which the Aussies won 5-0.

"There's a terrific feel around the group," said Ponting.

"It's Boxing Day; we're going to have a big crowd. It's a great place to play Test cricket, and India are great opponents.

Put all that together, and you can pretty much assure that Australia are going to be on song when we take to the field tomorrow.

"Looking back at last year's Ashes series, that was as well prepared as I've ever seen any cricket team for any series that I've been a part of - and right at the moment, we've got a really similar sort of feel around the group."

Ponting conceded tomorrow's toss may be crucial and that, on early inspection, the pitch will favour the bowling side throughout the opening day. "Through this year so far, in domestic cricket here, the wicket has been very flat," he noted. "But just having a look at it right at the moment, there's probably more moisture in it than there has been the day before any of those first-class games.

"So you probably imagine that tomorrow morning, it's going to be tough work to bat on. It's probably going to be bowler friendly, be very slow by the look of it and probably seam around quite a bit."

Australia have to choose whether to field a four-strong seam attack or go with spinner Brad Hogg.