Zaheer will be a huge threat to the Aussies: Gambhir

Australian openers Shane Watson and Simon Katich geared up for the upcoming Test series against India with impressive centuries in a warm-up match on Saturday against Indian Board President's XI. The visitors posted an impressive 319 for the loss of just one wicket on Day One of the three-day affair. However, Australia's progress did not affect BP XI skipper and India opener Gautam Gambhir when it came to talking about the Test series which kicks off here on October 1. The dashing opener felt speedster Zaheer Khan would give India the much-needed breakthroughs against the Aussies.

"Zaheer will be a big threat to the Australians," said Gambhir.

"His reverse swing in the last home series hurt Australia a fair bit. This time too, Zak's reverse swing will be critical. We also have Ishant Sharma in the squad. Both are good exponents of reverse swing.

Gambhir said that the team was prepared for the short stuff. "Be it SA or Australia, there is always a lot of talk about chin music. Viru (Sehwag) and me know that it will happen. But Viru is a brilliant batsman and knows how to handle this kind of bowling,"u00a0 he said.