'Terrible' wicket leaves Aussies on edge

Australia begin their quest for a first series win in India in 35 years on Wednesday sweating over what they believe is a minefield of a wicket.

World champions Australia begin their quest for a first series win on Indian soil in 35 years on Wednesday sweating over what they believe is a minefield of a wicket.

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Australian coach John Buchanan described the bone-dry track at the Chinnaswamy stadium here for the first Test as "terrible", indicating it was created to suit India's spinners.

Home captain Sourav Ganguly added to Australia's concerns saying it was a "typical Indian wicket, slow and low, which could take turn later in the match."

Seasonal rains over the last week and a forecast of more showers for the next few days has only added to the uncertainty.

The tourists watched in disbelief as groundstaff further scrubbed the already grassless wicket. Australian seamer Michael Kasprowicz said it resembled a "dry creek bed."