Also, the spectre of a whitewash, an indignity Australia have never suffered, should be a spur. Their bowling resources may be insufficient for a redeeming win in this final Test of the three-match series, but a draw should be possible if their batsmen play to their potential.

For one thing, Javagal Srinath, a major contributor to India's win in the second Test, is nursing a strained side. He was a doubtful starter yesterday and even if he plays, he is unlikely to perform to the same level. Moreover, the pitch looks a beauty.

Then again, Australia have their own fitness problems, the most oppressive being the groin injury which has put Steve Waugh out of contention. His absence creates the opportunity for Yorkshire's Darren Lehmann to make his Test debut.

While this series has ended a barren run for India stretching back to October 1996, Australia's defeat marks the end of an era of unbroken success that began with the beating of the West Indies in 1994-95. In that spell, they have won the Ashes twice.

It is curious, if not significant, that the only two series Australia have lost under Taylor's command have been on the sub-continent, though he believes it is a coincidence. The previous defeat was 1-0 to Pakistan in the first series after Taylor took over the captaincy.

An excess of international cricket is more to the point, according to Taylor. The amount of it played has a direct bearing on the occurrence of injuries, he added. In this context, he highlighted the unavailability of Australia's two leading strike bowlers, Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie.

Their absence, Taylor is convinced, has diminished Shane Warne's wicket-taking potential. ``Shane has not bowled badly, but it is one thing to come on at 40 for three and another to start bowling at 60 without loss with the batsmen in full cry, which has happened here time and again,'' he said.