A drawn Test is not something that goes down well with the cricket aficionados. And when the teams involved are of the stature of India and Australia [Images], that is the least that they expect.

However, it is to their utter dismay that the last two Tests in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (in Adelaide and Bangalore respectively), involving the two nations, failed to produce results. And is it that very disappointment that probably makes them wait patiently, in eager anticipation, for the Mohali Test that starts on Friday.

• Pics: Stage set for first India-Aus battle in Mohali

The Test, the eighth to be played at the PCA stadium, is special in two respects. Firstly, it is for the first time that the three-time World champions will be playing a Test at the venue, on a wicket that is believed to be conducive to their style of play.

Secondly, and more importantly, this match will, in all likelihood, witness Sachin Tendulkar [Images] break Brian Lara's [Images] record for most Test runs. The Little Master is just 15 runs short of the West Indian's tally and the landmark beckons. Needless to say, his compatriots are delighted.

• The Indians are speaking more than us: Ponting

"We all want him to get the record as soon as possible," gushed India's captain, Anil Kumble [Images].

"It is great for cricket in general, and Indian cricket in particular, to have an Indian batsman at the top of the list."

Following is a list of Test grounds (with a minimum of 5 Tests) without ever hosting Australia:
Ground	Country	Tests
Bulawayo QSC	Zimbabwe	17
Dunedin	New Zealand [Images]	10
Ahmedabad [Images] (Motera)	India	9
Dhaka	Bangladesh	7
Mohali*	India	7
Napier	New Zealand	6
Hyderabad	Pakistan	5
Multan	Pakistan	5

Kumble though has his own fitness concerns to worry about and refrained from commenting on India's starting line-up for the Test.

However, the visitors suffered a setback going into the match, with new-ball bowler Stuart Clark being ruled out with a shoulder injury.

Peter Siddle, the 23-year-old Victorian who comes in his place, will be making his Test debut.

Australia's captain Ricky Ponting [Images] was all praise for the youngster.

"He keeps it very simple and since he has played most of his cricket in Melbourne, he exploits the reverse swing very well," he said.

Besides this forced change, the Aussies are expected to retain their squad from the Bangalore Test.

As regards the wicket, the Mohali track, usually conducive to faster bowlers, is expected to be a tad different this time, thanks to the recent rain in the city. And the two captains seem to have prepared for the eventuality.

"It might be on the slower side because of the rain," said Kumble, before adding, "It looks a good wicket that has some help for everyone."

His Australian counterpart was palpably upbeat.

"It'll be a bit different but the rain may help us a bit," said Ponting.

"In any case it has got slightly more pace than the other grounds in India and should hold us in good stead."

So the stage is set, and provided the rain does not play spoilsport, one can expect a very competitive Test, with both the teams eyeing a 1-0 lead in the four-match series.