Australia must adapt quickly to conditions, says Hussey

By Sanjay Rajan

NAGPUR, India (Reuters) - Australia must adapt quickly to the conditions in Nagpur in the final test this week if they are avoid their first series defeat in three years, batsman Michael Hussey said on Tuesday.

Australia trail 1-0 in the four-test series after losing the second test in Mohali by 320 runs. The other two tests, in Bangalore and New Delhi, were drawn.

"A new pitch, so who knows what the conditions will hold," the left-handed batsman told reporters.

"In the past, it's been one of the strengths in the Australian team, whatever the conditions are we just had to adapt as quickly as possible.

"Hopefully we can adapt as quickly if not quicker than the Indian team. I think that's going to be the important thing, adapting to those conditions whatever they may be."

The world's top-ranked team have not lost a test series home or away since the 2005 Ashes in England.

The final test starting on Thursday will be played at a new stadium in the city where Australia won their first series in India in 35 years in 2004.

The visitors practised at the old stadium on Tuesday and have yet to get a feel of the new venue.