'Sachin could get his 100th ton in Melbourne'

Former Australia cricketer Andrew Symonds echoed ex-teammate Adam Gilchrist's view, saying India have a good chance to score their first Test rubber win Down Under when they tour the country later this month.

"Indians can put pressure on the young Australian players. They have a good opportunity to beat Australia in their home country. I think there are good chances of India beating them," the 36-year-old all-rounder said.

"However, the young Australian players too have an opportunity to beat the Indians. There are positive chances for both the sides. One needs preparation and also needs to respond properly in big games," he added.

Gilchrist had said India can beat the former world number one side as it is undergoing a transitional phase.

India are slated to play four Tests, beginning December 26 in Melbourne, followed by two T20s and a tri-series tournament also involving Sri Lanka.

Symonds felt that Sachin Tendulkar, who is on the threshold of scoring a record 100th international century, can achieve the feat in Australia.

"Sachin is an enormous person. There is lot of pressure on him for the 100th ton. I hope he gets the century at the earliest so that the burden that he faces is reduced and he can carry on with the game.

"He has the ability to do it soon. There are chances that he might score the century during the India-Australia series. It would be a great thing for him to score it in Australia," he added.

Symonds said talk about the retirement of his former skipper Ricky Ponting is unnecessary and the Australian batting great should be left alone.

"It is disappointing that reports of that sort are coming out. They are unnecessary. He is a good batsman. It is up to him to decide whether to be in the game. He should be left alone," he said.