Australia one victory away from equalling winning streak

Australia are one victory away from equalling the greatest winning streak in Test cricket after thrashing India by 337 runs in conditions more like Mumbai than the MCG.

Melbourne, Dec.29 : Australia are one victory away from equalling the greatest winning streak in Test cricket after thrashing India by 337 runs in conditions more like Mumbai than the MCG.

In another excellent performance by Australia's bowlers, the home side suffocated India's batsmen on a hot and dry fourth day, bowling the tourists out for 161 in their second innings to notch a 15th successive victory.

An Australian win in the second Test in Sydney next week will retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and also equal the record of 16 straight wins set by Steve Waugh's side between 1999 and 2001.

That streak was ended by a remarkable Indian turnaround in Kolkata, but this touring side does not appear capable of matching its reputation, as the batsmen again found Australia's pressure too great.

Brett Lee (2-43) and Stuart Clark (1-20) continued stifling the opposition, Mitchell Johnson (3-21) got some deserved results late in the game after bowling well throughout, and Brad Hogg's (2-51) wrist spin became increasingly dangerous.

Even Andrew Symonds' (1-25) decision to switch to offspin from medium pace bore instant impact, as he trapped Rahul Dravid LBW just before lunch after a solid session by the tourists.

That wicket denied India potentially the only man who could anchor an innings in their pursuit of 499 to win, or batting two days to draw. In the end, the innings lasted just 74 overs in conditions the tourists should have relished.

Australian captain Ricky Ponting said his bowlers showed great discipline to maintain their pressure in conditions, and on a slow, drop-in pitch which were more foreign than local.

"In Australia we're used to being able to blast teams out and have lots of slips and gullies in place, but this game we've had to do things differently and we've been able to do it very well," he said.

"It's a very pleasing win because the wicket we played on was probably more suited to the subcontinental style of play and we've adapted and done it really well,"The Australian quoted Ponting, as saying.

Australia are unlikely to change their line-up for the SCG Test, starting Wednesday, especially after the bowlers were so restrictive against the

Captain Anil Kumble said India's limited acclimatisation since arriving 11 days ago made it difficult for the tourists to adjust, but was more disappointed his side was dominated for three days by bat and ball after the Boxing Day fightback.

"Not just as an individual, but as a team it hurts and it is disappointing that we haven't been able to put up a good show," he said.

"But I can assure you we will try to do whatever we can and put up a better show in Sydney."

ANI