If there is any side that can beat Australia it is this Indian team, believes Javagal Srinath.

The veteran speedster, who was at the cricketers' charity 'Auction Replay' auction in Bangalore on Friday, said his belief is based on the performances of the team over the past twelve months.

"Take the tour of England last year, the ICC Champions Trophy and the World Cup for example and you will see that this team has done very well," he said.

He, however, maintained a studied silence about his availability for the Australian tour later this year and advocated that young Zaheer Khan and Ashish Nehra are ready to spearhead the attack.

He added he is undergoing therapy for his knee injury, which is getting better.

Having already toured Australia twice, his experience could be the perfect foil for the young pacers embarking on their maiden Australian tour.

Arguing against the inexperience of the young fast bowlers, he said, "I was not there during the England tour but they bowled so well and won a Test. Isn't that proof enough?

"Zaheer and Ashish are world-class bowlers and they have proved themselves on the world stage."

Describing the current crop of fast bowlers as the best India has ever had, he said, "For the first time we have a bank of fast bowlers who are sharp and ready for international cricket.

"I haven't seen Munaf Patel bowl, but I hear that he is very fast."

Srinath said the most important thing for the Australian tour is being prepared for the toughest conditions anywhere in the world.