With the seven-match series tantalisingly poised 2-2, India will have to overcome their batting shortcomings when they go into the crucial fifth one-day international against a spirited but depleted Australia here on Thursday.

The Indians, seeking to dethrone Australia from the number one spot in world rankings, will be strengthened by the expected return of Gautam Gambhir, who had to skip last match due to a neck injury.

Although left-hander Gambhir's presence will lend solidity to the top-order, the worrying factor for the hosts has been the lack of good starts in the series so far.

Clearly the onus is on the Indian batsmen to deliver the goods on a track which according to the curator has plenty of runs to offer but will also aid the bowlers.