'Key is to exert pressure constantly'

The ability to exert pressure on the opposition for long periods has been the key to the historic series-win, according to the Aussie skipper.

The ability to exert pressure on the opposition for long periods has been the key to Australia's historic series-win over India, according to skipper Ricky Ponting.

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"It is our ability to maintain pressure for long periods which has been the key. Our whole bowling plan revolves around it," Ponting said on the eve of the fourth and the final Test.

"India have done it (maintained pressure) on occasions, but not for as long as we have done, which is what helps you win Test matches," he said.

Ponting said the Australians had planned for long for this series and learned their lessons from the series loss in 2001.

"We had been visiting the sub-continent and learned the wrong way to play cricket, both with the bat and the ball. But now we have learned from those mistakes. We have not made these mistakes on this tour," Ponting said.