Melbourne Dec 23: Senior Australian batsman Michael Hussey sounded a warning to a hopeful Indian side, looking to create history by winning the Test series against Australia starting December 26.

Speaking about Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Hussey’s captain at IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings, the batsman said, "He's a great guy to have around. He's very calm, relaxed and takes pressure off the players. He has enjoyed great success, but we would give him a very tough time in Australia."

Dhoni, who took India to the No. 1 position in Tests and led the team to national glory by winning the World Cup 2011, was also the first Indian captain to beat Australia and claim a triangular one-day series, in 2008.

About Sachin Tendulkar’s impending hundredth century, the respected sportsman, fondly called Mr. Cricket, said, "I hope he doesn't get it against Australia. He's been a No. 1 player for so long, it's a credit to his character. But I hope he doesn't get his 100th hundred in Australia.

"I don't think he is under any pressure, though. He knows his own game so well. He has been under pressure for so long. The way the public has been with Tendulkar in India, he would be able to handle it, no problem."

Hussey disagreed with former Australia captain Mark Taylor about Indian batsmen finding it tough in Australian conditions. "They have a very experienced line-up. They've played here before, they adapt very quickly to these conditions. They are class players and we would have to bowl extremely well to get on top of them."

Speaking about India’s pace spearhead Zaheer Khan, whom the Aussies view as a major threat, he said, "We did focus on him in our batting plan. The bowling machine was used during training, the batting coach Justin Langer cranked up the pace, there are two-piece balls, it swung a little bit more.

"We have seen Zaheer bowl before and know that he likes to swing; still he is a class bowler. He's a threat with the new ball and when it is old. We would try to be very well prepared but certainly he's going to be a tough challenge," he admitted.

About former India coach Greg Chappell, who is helping Australia prepare for the Indian challenge, the southpaw said, "He's had good experience of India as a coach. He's had the inside knowledge and it could be invaluable for us."

Speaking about his own lack form (he has scored just 78 runs from his last seven innings), he said, "I feel like I am in a good place mentally, batting well in the nets. But sometimes you need a bit of luck to have a good start in the series.

"It's just the way the game goes. There were some tough conditions in South Africa, so you needed some luck to go. Here, on those two pitches also, you needed luck. I would look to work hard early in my innings. If one goes through the initial period, it does become easy from then on," he added.