While they feel extremely confident of rewriting the history books because of Australia's ongoing struggles, India still doesn't start off the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy as firm favourites, said the great Steve Waugh.

The former skipper and legend feels that even though the Virat Kohli led side are "talking a good game", their historical issues dealing with the conditions and  "ordinary" record down under, still gives a genuine sense of optimism about the hosts' chances.

Australian Cricket is at an all time low, following the infamous ball-tampering saga and the subsequent cultural review as well constant defeats across all formats at the highest level.

They are approaching a home Test summer without their two best matchwinners -Steve Smith and David Warner - and unaware of how to actually solve their deeper batting issues.

This has created a widespread perception that this is actually India's best chance to clinch a maiden Test series victory on Australian shores.

But, Waugh disagrees.

“I think Australia might surprise actually,” he said, “India, they’re talking up a good game but they’ve come off a pretty disappointing series in England ... their away form is pretty ordinary over the past five or 10 years."

Before stressing, “They have got a very good side. They will see this as their best opportunity to win in Australia for a long time. (India captain Virat) Kohli is a great leader and a great batsman. If a couple of others follow him in and start scoring runs they are a chance."

Looking forward to the Test series that kickstarts at Adelaide on December 6, Waugh felt, “I think if Australia can score 350 runs in our first innings we’ll win the Test match. Our bowlers are world class and particularly in our conditions, we’ll take 20 wickets. As long as we can score runs, if we get 350 in the first innings, we’ll win the series.”

The tour begins with the first T20I at Brisbane on November 21.

(Inputs from Fox Sports)