India backing their spinners against Australia

"We have to play to our strengths and we have two high-quality spinners in Harbhajan (Singh) and (Anil) Kumble," captain Saurav Ganguly said on Thursday.

"We have to make the best possible use of them."

India, shock winners of the 1983 World Cup, will be mindful that Harbhajan inspired them to become the last team to beat Australia in a Test series, coming from behind to win 2-1 at home in 2001.

Off spinner Harbhajan captured 32 wickets in that series, dismissing Australia's current one-day captain Ricky Ponting five times in a row.

Experienced leg-spinner Anil Kumble, who took four for 32 on Wednesday as the Netherlands were bowled out for 136, backed himself and Harbhajan to shine against Australia.

"Slow bowlers will definitely have a big role to play against Australia," he said. "Harbhajan is bowling well and the heat and slower pitches will suit us."

Australia, however, will be favourites to secure their second straight win of the tournament, having beaten 1999 finalists Pakistan by 82 runs at The Wanderers on Tuesday.

In recent years, India's strength has been their batting with the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Ganguly and Rahul Dravid to the fore but they have struggled in their last few series, especially away from home.

South African pitches generally suit seam bowlers with their bounce and pace so India's plan to play two spinners against Australia will be a gamble.