Kumble urges senior mates to conquer Aussie frontier

The ace-leg-spinner, in an apparent reference to players like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman, urged his senior mates to make a final push to glory.

A Test series win over Australia in their own backyard will be one of the most cherished achievements for India's top cricketers, many of whom are on their last tour Down Under, captain Anil Kumble said on Tuesday.

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The ace-leg-spinner, in an apparent reference to players like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman, urged his senior mates to make a final push to glory.

"Most of the senior cricketers are here on their last tour of Australia, so it's very important we go back victorious," Kumble told reporters after arriving here with the Indian squad to play a four-Test series, beginning at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 26.

Kumble said beating Australia in their den is a major incentive for his team.

"It means a lot to all of us in the team and also it means a lot to Indian cricket. We came pretty close to doing that the last time we came here (in 2003-04).

"Leading up to the (final) Sydney Test match it was 1-1 and we did extremely well in the last Test series (to draw), so it's going to be very crucial for all of us," he said.

"Not many teams have come here and gone home victorious, so it's a great opportunity for all of us."