The manner in which Australia dispatched India in the first test on Saturday does not augur well for a competitive series. Ricky Ponting's side strangled the strongest batting line-up in test cricket, bowling them out for less than 200 in both innings to secure a 337-run victory late on the fourth day.

The aggressive Australian batsmen also grafted to produce a succession of small but effective partnerships on the slow pitch against an Indian attack which bowled reasonably well.

India captain Anil Kumble is convinced, however, that his side were in the game for long periods.

"I don't think we were intimidated," Kumble said yesterday.

"Yes, Australia batted and bowled well, but there was not a single time I felt like we were intimidated."

Ponting's side won their 15th successive test on Saturday and will equal the world record of 16 with victory in Sydney on Jan. 2.

"It's getting closer by the game, but we didn't mention it at all going into this game and that's the way I prefer it as well," Ponting said.