Boxing Day Test is coming closer and the Indians are going to face the biggest challenge they have faced in recent times. I doubt if there is going to be an encore of 2003-04 but I do expect a decent performance. And no, I am not writing about whether Dravid should open or not.

One thing that strikes everyone about the Australian team is their winning ways. Their straight victories just makes us look in awe and wonder how they do it. Lets take the example of the recent Chappell Hadlee series. New Zealand came in to Australia the defending champions. They left with nothing but loads of embarrassment. The Kiwis were whitewashed and the Mighty Oz were victorious again. So what is it that makes them so special? What is it that makes sure they triumph over the world's best teams and make them look like minnows.

One main reason is the way these guys have been brought up. We all know that Australia was a dumping land for Britain's hardcore thieves. These were the guys who had a very rough lifestyle. Exactly the guys you do not want to mess with. All this shows in their aggression and toughness.

I think its pretty common for a little child to complain to his parents that a classmate has been bullying him. Usually in our country, we talk to the people at school and set things right. It is very rare for someone to ask his child to "Give the guy a good one so that he stays away from you". And of course after the recent Gurgaon school shootout, no parent will ever tell this. Aggression is really important. It is aggression that takes you a long way.

But in no way will I support what guys like Sreesanth are doing. Thats not aggro, thats animal like behavior. True aggression was showed by Andrew Symonds who literally won the series for the Aussies. Aggression is whats inside, not what is shown. Dhoni And Yuvraj gave a brilliant display of what aggression truly is in the T-20 World cup. Not just cricket, without aggression it would be impossible to achieve anything.

Its a rare sight to see Ricky Ponting tensed in a match. He maintains his composure even if the opponent needs a run an over to win the match. That makes the difference. Everyone works really hard but one's ability to take pressure leads to success. We shout out that there is too much pressure on students every other day forgetting that this is what makes them ready for the tough world when they grow up.

Kumble recently said that Bradd Hogg was the weak link in the Aussie bowling. It was heartening to see the entire team jumping up in his defence. Probably that is what is missing in all of us. Poor coordination skills and lack of respect for each other has led to our downfall many-a-times.

Our outlook must change. We must realize that the killer instinct as well patience must complement hard work. Thats the Aussie way for you.