Mumbai: Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar today backed defending champions India to do well in next year's 50-over World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, saying the number one ODI side is ready for the tough challenge coming up in five months time.


(From left to right): Brett Lee, Australian PM Tony Abbott, Sachin Tendulkar and Adam Gilchrist with the World Cup trophy in Mumbai on Thursday 

"The World Cup will be played next year in Australia and New Zealand and I have got some fond memories of '91-92, when we played in Australia and New Zealand. Just a gentle reminder to everyone here that the defending champions are ready to defend," Tendulkar said at an event at the Cricket Club of India with Australian PM Tony Abbott in attendance. Abbott was also given life-time membership by the Club on the occasion.