Aussies will be firm and fair: Ponting

The Australian captain also said he will ensure his team played the game in the right spirit during the tri-series.

Captain Ricky Ponting on Thursday said Australia would continue to play "uncompromising" cricket against India but would ensure that his team played the game in the right spirit during the tri-series.

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"As it happens in most international sports, chit-chat between the players (is justifiable). Both teams have realised that there is a line in the sand," Ponting told reporters.

"I've had a word with players before the Perth Test about the little things we needed to address in our cricket. We have proved that we are very serious about the spirit of the game."

"We tend to play uncompromising and fair, that's the way we Australians play cricket. We take as much as we give," he said.

Ponting hoped the fans would not boo the Indians in the backdrop of the racism row involving Harbhajan Singh.

"I hope the fans in the stands don't do (the behaviour) which we wouldn't like to face elsewhere on a cricket field. It's really important for the game that they enjoy the contest," he said.

Ponting also vowed to settle scores with India in the shortest version of the game, which they have never been able to win against the 'Men in Blue'.

"India has held the upperhand and they are a very good outfit but we have some scores to settle," he said.