Former Australian captain Ian Chappell feels that India`s bowling doesn`t match up as well as the New Zealand attack did in favourable conditions to humble Australia in its own backyard. Chappell said the troubled Australian batsmen can heave a sigh of relief unless India`s pace spearhead Zaheer Khan is fully fit, and the visitors aren`t so well endowed when it comes to proven swing bowlers.

"If the local curators continue to leave grass on the pitches, as they have done over the past couple of summers, it will suit our emerging pace attack. The sight of greenish pitches will have the Indian batsmen reeling - and consequently the Australian pace bowlers will have a psychological advantage. However, this shouldn`t be taken for granted because the Indian line-up is very experienced and talented," Chappell wrote in his column for a leading daily.

Chappell, however, feels that an hour of carnage by India`s dashing Virender Sehwag could be a disadvantage for Australia. "While the Australian attack has been showing encouraging signs, the batting has been woefully inconsistent. The quickest way to rectify that problem is sort out the top order; the first three batsmen set the tone for consistency. Shane Watson`s return will help strengthen this aspect... With Ricky Ponting now preparing for a move to a retirement village rather than looking to increase his mortgage, it`s time to find a long-term solution at No.3.”

"Usman Khawaja isn`t the answer as he`s not yet a threat to take charge of an innings. Shaun Marsh could prove suitable, but his injury history is a concern and resorting to a back-to-the-future solution by reinstating Simon Katich isn`t the answer," he said. Chappell also feels that it was time for captain Michael Clarke to promote himself to the No.3 spot.

"It`s time for Michael Clarke to shoulder an extra responsibility and claim the No.3 role. Clarke has the experience, the Test record and the ability to take charge of an innings. He`s also in form and has responded well to extra responsibility in his short captaincy career. This move would also enhance his reputation within the team for leading from the front," he said.

"It would leave Australia with a vastly experienced top order, apart from the exciting Warner, and then a younger player could slot in between Ponting at four and Michael Hussey at six. Khawaja could fill that spot - or the all-rounder Dan Christian could bat at six behind Hussey if more bowling options are needed," he said. Chappell said India`s best chances for victory come when Sehwag and Zaheer fire together.

"Sehwag makes big scores quickly and Zaheer has the ability to claim five-wicket hauls, two major ingredients when it comes to winning Test matches. Sehwag`s confrontation with James Pattinson will not only be a highlight of the summer, it could well shape the series. Pattinson has one big advantage over most other opening bowlers who have been challenged by the belligerently brilliant Sehwag - he is led by a captain who isn`t easily intimidated and won`t cower behind a containment strategy," he said.

Chappell also said that venues will slightly favour Australia as well. "The SCG (Sydney Cricket Ground) is the only ground where India might claim a spin advantage, and the WACA should definitely suit Australia. Both the MCG and Adelaide Oval will encourage the pacemen early. If Australia can keep Sehwag under control and find the consistency in their batting order to neutralise Zaheer, they will greatly increase their chances of defeating India. Of these two big ifs, the latter is the least likely, but then again Australia`s batting is predictably unpredictable," he said.