The Mumbai Cricket Association joint secretary Ratnakar Shetty told CricInfo in Mumbai on Monday that the Mumbai team was looking forward to the three day game against the Australians with a lot of hope. Despite good performances in the domestic season, some of the Mumbai players were overlooked for the Challenger series. But the boys are all fired up and raring to have a go at the Australians at the CCI.

"The last time they were here we beat them, so the boys are very keen on winning again." he said. The Mumbai team will be playing a three day game with the tourists as they are the Ranji Trophy champions. Mumbai beat the Australians on the last tour of India in 1997-98.

The team is currently practicing at the Bombay Gymkhana grounds. "The MCA has decided to buy a bowling machine after the first Test at the Wankhede stadium. Dilip Vengsarkar has offered to supply the machine at his academy for the preparation before the match" said Shetty. "The machine is not being used as of now, it will be used only after the two key players Sachin Tendulkar and Ajit Agarkar return from the Challenger series." he added.

There are two changes in the team from the last game played at the MIG grounds against Baroda. Robin Morris has been replaced by Kunal More and Santosh Saxena makes way for Nilesh Kulkarni.

The team's morale is high and the biggest motivating factor for the Mumbai team is the presence of Tendulkar in the team. In the previous encounter, Sachin scored his maiden double century. "His presence is a big motivation for the team and he certainly makes a big difference" Shetty said.

Leg spinner Sairaj Bahutule will also be in the team and could have a good chance of making a comeback to the National side in the absence of Anil Kumble. "He had a bad season last year and missed out on the Irani Trophy, but he has performed very well after that in the inter- office tournaments and even the Ranji games. I think this is a very good opportunity for him. He has really matured as a spinner," said Shetty.

© CricInfo