Mind games, verbal duels, psychological warfare, sledging. These are words synonymous with every India-Australia series.

What was probably fuelled by Steve Waugh and Sourav Ganguly [Images] is witnessed in various manifestations in subsequent face-offs between the countries.

• Clark ruled out of Mohali Test

The ongoing series is carrying the tradition forward. Every other day one finds a team making a statement against the other. However, there's a twist in the tale. Harbhajan Singh [Images], Zaheer Khan [Images] and captain Anil Kumble [Images] have in recent times made digs at the Australians, and even labelled the visitors "inexperienced" and "defensive".

• 'I had to know what is unlike Anil Kumble'

But if Ricky Ponting [Images] is to be believed, the Australians are refraining from doing what has, over the years, become a characteristic feature about their brand of cricket.

"I think it is they who are doing it on this tour. It is the Indians who are speaking more than us this time around," said Ponting. "We're focusing only on our game, on the look-out to find means to improve our game and give ourselves a good chance to play our best cricket."

Asked what was his response to the statements made by various Indian players, Australia's [Images] captain tried to don the garb of a diplomat, albeit rather unconvincingly.

"I don't want to read into any of the statements made," he said, before finally succumbing to the temptations.

"There was a lot said about the experience factor before the opening Test. But I believe they all did pretty good," said Ponting. "I am especially happy with what Cameron (White) did, in the second innings in particular. And it was all the more commendable considering both their spinners (Harbhajan and Kumble) went for runs."

Ponting also disagreed with many an expert's view that Australia lost an opportunity to win the Bangalore Test. Instead, he said it is for the Aussies to build on the solid platform that they have got themselves in.

"I believe it was a confident start. I think they bowled well, but we played them quite well," he said.

"But there's a long way to go, as one Test match doesn't make a series."