JAIPUR (India), Sept 23: The Australian cricket team arrived in Jaipur on Monday for the much anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy which comprises four-match Test series that gets underway at Bangalore on Oct 9.

Since their arrival in India, they addressed the media for the first time on Tuesday and it was their lethal fast bowler Brett Lee, who took the centre stage.

“The Indian series will be a tough challenge, but we are up for the same,” Lee, anticipating the series to pose a huge challenge for Australia, said.

“We have put all the controversies behind, that’s happened, we’ve dealt with that pretty well, and are looking forward to play against India. It’s a new leaf. We’re turning over a new page in our book, and that is coming over here to play tough, fair, hard, aggressive cricket,” he added.

“It is always exciting to play them in their own backyard, with the crowd backing the home side.

“We will play the series in the right spirit. We hope that the entire series is all about cricket and nothing beyond that,” Lee stated.

“It’s a wonderful place to tour — the country, the people, the culture, the cricket’s pretty hard work, so we have to make sure our plans are in place.”

The last time the two sides played each other in Australia earlier this year numerous controversies marred the series, questioning the teams’ outlook towards the game itself.

Calling this series as the beginning of a new era in Australian cricket, Lee said: “This is start of a new era in Australian cricket. Over the past two decades, we have done our job well and will look to continue the same.

“With the likes of Shane Warne and Adam Gilchrist not around and young spinners coming in, it would be huge challenge to perform well. However, though there is pressure on us, we are looking forward to the series and are up for the same.”

Lee also said that his performance in the Test series will be crucial for the team.

“With young spinners coming in the team, who have zero experience to perform in the Sub-continent, a lot is expected of me. There is a lot of pressure on me to do well, and this would be a challenge, considering that Indian pitches are not conducive to fast bowling,” the paceman stated.

Speaking about the controversial former Indian coach Greg Chappell backing the team, the lethal fast bowler said: “Greg Chappell is all about experience and all that is second to none. We are looking forward for his help and he is a key member in the Australian team. It is great to see him wear our colours, and we will pick his brains for all the knowledge.”

Lee is spearheading the Australian pace attack and is expected to be the Aussies’ trump card against the Indians. Thirty-one-year-old Lee has played 68 Tests and bagged 289 wickets since making his debut against India at Melbourne in 1999.—Agencies