Australia are looking for improved performances from their batting and bowling leaders in the third test starting on Wednesday, the tourists needing to rebound quickly to avoid a first series defeat since 2005.

Struggling opener Matthew Hayden has vowed a more aggressive approach to shed his poor form while paceman Brett Lee has been working hard since both men flopped when India cruised to a record 320-run victory in last week's second test in Mohali.

Trailing 1-0 in the four-match series, the world's top ranked team need to win at least one of the remaining two tests to keep alive an unbeaten run that dates back to the Ashes series loss to England more than three years ago.

However, Australia's shortcomings were crudely exposed by the swing bowling of Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma in Mohali, and the tourists will also have to contend with fit-again skipper Anil Kumble after he sat out that test due to a shoulder injury.

Leg spinner Kumble, the third most successful bowler in test history with 616 victims, has taken 55 wickets in six games at the Ferozshah Kotla ground, long regarded as India's favourite venue.

His impressive haul includes all 10 second innings wickets to bowl India to a series-levelling win over Pakistan in 1999, only the second time one player has bowled out the entire side in test cricket.

The 38-year-old has taken at least seven wickets in each of his Delhi tests, bowling India to victory each time.

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