MELBOURNE - Struggling India are desperate to avoid the ignominy of another 4-0 series wipeout in the fourth and final Test against Australia starting at the Adelaide Oval on Tuesday.
It has been a tour from hell for the Indians, collapsing to heavy defeats in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth and with their skipper M.S. Dhoni suspended for the Adelaide Test for a slow over rate in the abject third Test defeat. India, who relinquished their top Test ranking when they were crushed 4-0 in England last year, face their eighth consecutive away defeat if they cannot prevent the rejuvenated Australians from inflicting another drubbing.
Test cricket's greatest runscorer, Sachin Tendulkar, is still seeking his 100th international century and has the chance to reach the mark at the Adelaide "home" ground of cricket legend Don Bradman. It has been a frustrating time for Tendulkar, 38, and probably on his farewell tour of Australia.