India skipper Sourav Ganguly on Tuesday paid wholesome tribute to Australia, acknowledging its status as the best side in the world, and said his team would need to lift its game to put up a good fight on the tour Down Under, towards the end of the year.

"The Aussies are the only side ahead of us. To be honest, we are the second best team after them," Ganguly told reporters during a function in Kolkata.

"It is going to be a test of our abilities there. They are a very good side and in great form. We have to lift our game to compete with them on their soil," he said.

Ganguly, however, added in the same breath that he is confident about the ablity of his side to turn tables on the Aussies.

"I'm pretty confident about that. My boys are experienced and have travelled throughout the world."

But he said the Indians have to prepare well ahead of the tour.

"Winning does not depend solely on me, but on the entire team. For that we have to really play well... plan well and get fit, which we are trying to do," he said.

The Indian captain also pointed out that his side's bowling department needs to be spruced up, but did not elaborate on the point.

"We'll have to get our bowling department sorted out," he said.

The dashing southpaw expressed optimism about the coming home series against New Zealand, starting in October and the tri-series also including Australia.

"I'm pretty hopeful of doing well both in the Tests and one-dayers in the coming season. My hope springs from the way my team has shaped up in the last few years. I'm confident of carrying forward our success," he said.

Ganguly also expressed satisfaction with his team's performance last year, when India won the NatWest Trophy in England, finished joint winners in the Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka, and reached the final of the World Cup in South Africa.

"I think we had an outstanding year. We need to carry it forward. It's not just one good patch," he said.