KP's on alert as India crush Aussies

England will come up against a cock-a-hoop India side when they begin their one-day series on Friday.

Spin bowlers Harbhajan Singh and Amit Mishra claimed seven wickets between them as India defeated Australia by 172 runs in Nagpur today to complete a 2-0 Test series victory over the world champions.

"We beat them fair and square," said chairman of selectors Krishnamachari Srikkanth.

"Australia are the No1 team in the world and what I like about this victory is that is was not a typical Indian turning wicket. It was also a flat track in Mohali and we beat them comprehensively."

India are now second behind Australia in the ICC Test rankings and Srikkanth insists they are quickly closing the gap.

"Apart from an all-round team effort, another positive that has come out of this series is that the youngsters have stood up and delivered," he said. "We would love to be the No1 team in the world."

But Kevin Pietersen's side will not have to face Sourav Ganguly or Anil Kumble, who have both retired, while Sachin Tendulkar has asked to be rested from the first three one-dayers.

England, who began their tour with an easy win over the Mumbai Cricket Association, face a stronger Mumbai in a final warm-up game tomorrow.