New Delhi, Fierce competitors India and Australia have dished out some of the best Test matches in recent years because they play with intensity and that should not be restrained, feels Indian coach Gary Kirsten.

Kirsten said sparks are bound to fly whenever the two sides clash, because they are similar teams, aggressive and passionate, about their game.

"They are two highly competitive sides. They are very aggressive and emotional. They try and produce high level of cricket and that is exciting. We should encourage such competitive cricket as it enhances the performance of the series. In pressure situations, the individuals should know when to step out," Kirsten told reporters after India went through the paces at Ferozeshah Kotla here Monday.

Kirsten played down the spat between Zaheer Khan and Matthew Hayden at Mohali during the second Test when the hosts drubbed Australia by 320 runs.

"In pressure situations either team can overstep the mark, Zaheer admitted that in front of the Match Referee."

The 40-year-old South African said they are not taking Australia lightly because they are a highly competitive side.

"We know that they will come well prepared. They will give their everything in this Test. We are not expecting any freebies from Australia."

Kirsten also said the India-Australia rivalry is more exciting now because both teams are very similar in their approach.

"India has come up to Australian level. Earlier, we used to depend on spinners but now the fast bowlers are also coming into play," he said.

India outplayed Australia in all departments in Mohali and Kirsten said their aim will be to set the performance as the benchmark.

"We got everything right in Mohali. We dominated the game. It is a benchmark for us. Of course, we know it will not be possible to produce the same standard in every game, but we hope to achieve that again and again. It is the kind of consistency that we are looking at."

Asked about the pitch, Kirsten said: "The pitch is good. Players in the side have lot more experience of playing here, so I take a backseat."

Much has been talked about India's reverse swinging the ball early on and Kirsten said they will look to repeat it here again.

"Reverse swing is an important component of Test match. It does play an important role. Our seamers used it effectively in the series and we hope to continue that. We are aware that the Australians will be trying to do the same."

"But we are not focussing on the Australians. We are following our own process and know that if we play to our potential we can beat them," he said.

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