Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly on Tuesday paid wholesome tribute to Australia, acknowledging its status as the best side in the world.

"The Aussies are the only side ahead of us. To be honest, we are the second best team after them," he said in Kolkata.

Hoping to do well in Australia, where India will play four Test matches and a tri-series also involving Zimbabwe during the 70-day tour, Ganguly had said on his birthday last week: "For me, the best birthday gift would be winning the cricket series Down Under."

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Ganguly described the Aussie series as tough.

"It is going to be a test of our abilities there. They are a very good side and in great form. We have to lift our game to compete with them on their soil."

He added that he was confident about the ability of his side to turn the table on the Aussies. "My boys are experienced and have travelled throughout the world."

But he said that the Indians had to prepare well. "Winning does not depend solely on me, but on the entire team. For that we have to really play well... plan well and get fit, which we are trying to do."

The captain also pointed out that his side's bowling needed to be spruced up.