Aussies welcome break

A win over England has breathed new life into Australia's quest for the Champions Trophy and an eight-day break before its next clash with India has given the world champions time to work on their tactics.

But pace bowler Nathan Bracken says the break can work both ways.

On Wednesday the Aussies were put through a gruelling four-hour practice session allowing the batters to have a solid hitting opportunity against spinners Dan Cullen and Brad Hogg, and a number of local bowlers, as well as giving Bracken and Glenn McGrath a chance to hit the nets.

"It is a bad thing and a good thing. A couple of quick games in such tournaments always help us get going, but we're using this period to work on just a few things," Bracken told the Time News Network.

The Aussie attack also had a chance to bowl with wet cricket balls in case dew affected the playing surface on the weekend.

Tournament officials said they would spray the turf with a chemical to prevent dew forming but the team wants to go in to the match prepared for all conditions.

"We have to utilise the conditions as best we can," Bracken said.

"In the first few games, the ball was swinging for me, so I hope that continues. Any ground, any match in the subcontinent is a big challenge, but we have to look upon this as an opportunity."

Australia plays India on Sunday night (AEST) with the winner all but guaranteed a place in the semi-finals.

The Aussies have an imposing 21-5 record against India in one-day internationals since 1999 but beating them on home soil is never easy.

"India are coming and I like bowling under pressure. It sort of makes things easy," said Bracken, who will spearhead the attack with Brett Lee.

"I like the new ball. The way to keep improving is to know each other's game better, like Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie did before us. Brett looks to be fast and aggressive and I try to swing the ball. So it is a good combination."

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