New Delhi: India's left-arm seamer Zaheer Khan said that Ponting's below-par record in India will put the Australia captain under tremendous pressure during test series against India.

Australian captain just averages just 12.28 from eight Tests in India.

"It (Ponting's low average ) is something that is definitely going to work in our favour," Zaheer told NDTV.

"He is under pressure and this could be his last tour to India as a captain.

"Going by his recent comments, there is clearly pressure on him and that is an advantage to us."

Zaheer was surprised when Ponting declared his side would start as underdogs in the four Test series, which starts in Bangalore on October 9.

"For a captain who is leading the world's best Test side to say something like that shows quite clearly that he is under tremendous pressure," added Zaheer.

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"Perhaps it has to do with the fact that he hasn't got runs in India."

However, Zaheer expects Australia to provide a tough opposition despite losing some of it veteran players in the recent past.

"Playing cricket with a number one side is a good challenge," he said

"I think we are up to the challenge.

"We are focusing on our strengths rather than dwelling on the weaknesses of the Australian team.

thatsCricket

Tags: india-australia 2008, test series, australia tour of inida, ricky ponting, zaheer khan.

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