Gilchrist, Fleming promise 'aggressive' cricket

The visiting Australians began their second day in India on Thursday with vice-captain Adam Gilchrist declaring his team will play aggressive cricket during its 52-day tour.

"We have to bat, bowl and field aggressively to beat the Indians on their home soil. And if we play to a plan I don't see why we can't win both the Test series and the one-dayers here," he told reporters at a press meet, organised by Fosters, the official sponsors of the Australian team, in Bombay.

Gilchrist, the lone wicket-keeper in the squad, and fast bowler Damien Fleming represented the Australian team at the function as the others rested at their hotel.

"The last time around we won the one-day series but could not win the Test series and we were a little disappointed. But this time we have come well-prepared to win both," Gilchrist said.

Queried about the Central Bureau of Investigation's decision not to question Mark Waugh about his alleged involvement in the match-fixing scandal, he said: "As our skipper Steve Waugh said soon after the team's arrival yesterday we are all relieved. Mark is a key member of the team and, obviously, we don't want him to be in any sort of pressure before an important series."

On West Indies batsman Brian Lara's statement that he was the target of Aussie sledging during the recent series which the Australians won handsomely, Gilchrist said it was all in good spirit and there was no animosity.

Asked whether the Australians would be targetting any Indians for special treatment, Gilchrist replied: "None."

"In fact, we would like to get the Indians out as fast as possible so that we can put pressure on them all the time," he added.

Fleming, who, along with their bowling spearhead Glenn McGrath, forms one of the best new-ball attacks in the world, said the only way to beat the Indians would be to play aggressively.

"I have had some happy memories here and I think the best way to get on top of the Indians is to play aggressively from the word go because once you give them (Indians) room to settle down they are capable of turning things around," he added.

Does he have any set plans to bowl to Indian batsmen?

"I have many," said Fleming, "but I cannot discuss them with you.

"Whatever plans we have we would like to implement them on the field."

Asked what he enjoyed doing most apart from bowling his heart out for his country, Fleming declared, with a mischievous smile: "Sipping Fosters beer."

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Mail Cricket Editor