New Delhi, Oct. 20: Australians are masters in the art of mental disintegration before an important series. The inconsistent form of the world champions has however, taught the men from Down Under to tread cautiously especially when it comes to India.

Australia all-rounder and Victoria Bushrangers skipper Cameron White was guarded and preferred to give the edge to the hosts ahead of the seven-match ODI series beginning in Baroda on Sunday.

"We are in form but the Indians will be hard to beat on their own turf. They know the conditions well and will have support of the large crowds," White said here on Tuesday.

The Victoria all-rounder has been in sublime form with the bat over the last year for the Aussies, with 385 runs in 13 matches at an average of 42.7, and will be an integral part of the team in the ODIs. "I think we’ll have some good, hard-fought and exciting cricket over the next few weeks," he added.

Meanwhile, New South Wales Blues skipper Simon Katich believes most of the Australians have already adapted to the sub-continent conditions. "Most of our guys have played in the Indian Premier League as well as the Champions League. They know the players and conditions here well.

"The team will be very confident coming into the series. They performed well in England and followed it up with the Champions Trophy triumph in South Africa. I am sure the boys who have done well in the Champions League will carry that form into the seven-match series," Katich said.

Aussie speedster Brett Lee also doesn’t believe that his team are the favourites. "It is true that we won 4-2 the last time we played an ODI series here but I won’t call ourselves the favourites. We have played some good cricket to reclaim our top spot but playing India at home is always hard," Lee said.

"I think playing in the Champions League is perfect preparation for the ODI series.

"But India are an unpredictable team and can give any side a run for their money," the pace spearhead said.