The Indian team had a forgettable Test and ODI series Down Under prior to the World Cup, where they failed to register a single win against the home side.
Hence, when both these teams play their all-important knock out game at the Sydney Cricket Ground for a spot in the finals of the ICC World Cup, the Men in Blue could be thinking of revenge.
But, Australian dashing batsman reminded the Indian team about their dismal performances over the summer. "I think we targeted them pretty well this summer. They haven't won a game against us all through the summer. Hopefully that is pretty clear in their memories," NDTV quoted Glenn Maxwell.
"We can make the most of that (all-win record). We've been dominant all summer in the ODI format. We want to continue that."
On the contrary, India's fortunes changed drastically as soon as their World Cup campaign started with a victory against their rival Pakistan after which the Indian team have not looked back.
They have maintained a cent percent record in the tournament, defeating top teams like South Africa with ease as well, but the Indian team is also aware about the fact that the Aussies are going to be their strongest test in the competition.
One also has to understand that the Indian team have not been stretched in any of the matches, but they have coped with the pressure when they appeared to be in trouble.
The Australians are a difficult side to defeat at home, as their World Cup campaign reflects. They have won all their matches at home and their only defeat against the Black Caps was at New Zealand.
Despite taking a dig at the Indian team, Maxwell did concede that the Indian team are a good side. "India are a very good side. They wouldn't be here in the semi-finals if they weren't a good side. We have to bring our A game when we play them this week."
The match between the two sides could primarily be decided based on how well the Indian batsmen, who have been in prime form, cope with the Australian pacers, especially Mitchell Starc, who has taken 18 wickets so far.
The Australian batsman wants the Sydney pitch to have some grass in it.
"Hopefully we get a fast one. It has been a pretty good wicket this year and hopefully there is a bit of grass there as well," said Maxwell.
If that is the case, it will not only assist the Australian bowlers, but also the in-form Indian bowlers.
