Australia on verge of record against India

By Julian Linden

SYDNEY (Reuters) - The prospect of equalling their own world record for consecutive test wins has given Australia's cricketers an added incentive heading into the second test against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground this week.

Initial hopes of a competitive series were shattered by the ridiculous ease of Australia's 337-run win in last week's first test in Melbourne but the stakes remain as high as ever.

Unbeaten since August 2005, the Australians have their sights set on matching their record of 16 consecutive wins set under Steve Waugh's leadership between 1999 and 2001.

Ricky Ponting's current group of players have won 15 games in a row and seem certain to set a new mark in the four-match series against India unless there is a dramatic turnaround.

The Indians have vowed to play better in Sydney and believe they have an advantage on the spin-friendly pitch, but the odds are still heavily stacked against them.

The Australians have lost just one test in the last decade at Sydney and their only defeat to India in Sydney was 30 years ago.

India's batsmen compiled a record innings total of 705-7 on their last visit to Sydney four years ago to draw the match and the series, but failed to make at least 200 in either innings in Melbourne.

BAD DREAM