Mumbai: The awesome huskies are here. But catching a glimpse of the World Champions and Champions Trophy winners on Tuesday in India for a sevenfold series that begins on October 25 in Baroda, was as elusive as rain in October. Nine members of the team, led by Ricky Ponting, gave the waiting media- men an artful dodge as they slipped out of the cargo gate of the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Air- port here on Tuesday afternoon.

Six members of the 15-strong squad are involved in the Champions League Twenty20 where Aussie sides Victoria Bushrangers and New South Wales are contesting the semis. Doug Bollinger Nathan Hauritz and Brett Lee are playing for the New South Wales Blues, while Petet Siddle, Jon Holland and Cameron Whlte are representing Victoria Bushrangers.

The way the Kangaroos are being guarded here, it becomes clear that last year's November 26 attacks in this city, and then the terror strike on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore has changed the rules of the game in the subcontinent forever The team, along with coach Tim Nielson, was escorted to its hotel in Bandra under tight security provided by the Mumbai Police.

The hotel itself we virtually converted into a fortress, with outside vehicles being diverted almost 200 metres away from the hotel. The hotel guests were being screened thoroughly and outsiders Were barred from entering the place.