Singh said Australia are no longer the same intimidating force due to retirements of some key players and the defending champions are also coping with the problem of Ponting's poor form.
With Ricky Ponting struggling to find form in the tournament so far, India can exploit the chinks in the Australian armour and beat them in the World Cup quarterfinal on Thursday in Ahmedabad, middle-order batsman Yuvraj Singh said.
Singh said Australia are no longer the same intimidating force due to retirements of some key players and the defending champions are also copping with the problem of Ponting's poor form.
"Australia have won five games. The two teams are equal at the moment. Whosoever plays better on Thursday will win the match. No doubt, Australia are a top side having won the title for last three years," Singh said after his all-round show helped India crush West Indies by 80 runs in their last Group B league match.
"However, players like Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist are not there in the team. Ricky Ponting has not been in his form for quite some time. We will focus and try to win the match by exposing their weakness," Singh, who was adjudged man-of-the-match for his 113 with the bat and two wickets with the ball, said.
Singh was also not concerned of facing the three-pronged Australian pace attack and said India are prepared for it.
"We do not have any issue with the short ball. We have been a number one Test and ODI side in the world. If we had problems with the short balls, we cannot be on top. We know definitely that Australia have pace and get wickets on their pace. We are prepared for it," said Singh, who scored his maiden World Cup ton against the West Indies.
"If you are thinking of winning the world cup, it does not matter (who you play). You need to beat the best sides such as Australia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka to win the Cup."
Singh said batting up the order helps in getting a big score since he could stay at the crease for longer period.
"I wanted to get 100. You bat at four you get to play more balls than at five. I thought I would not hit the ball in the air and keep it to ground. I have been looking on the game and this is the first game that I was hitting the ball well.
"It is a big moment for me and Indians and the nation. I feel happy. I need to continue the form in the quarterfinal. It was very hard, tough times for me. As I say tough people stand out even during tough times."
He also revealed that he was having stomach cramps before the match but still could contribute his bit for the team. "It was not dehydration but stomach cramps. I had stomach cramps and was struggling in the morning before the match. Couple of guys are having some problem with stomach bug," he said when asked whether he felt dehydrated during his knock.
On India not being able to bat the quota of 50 overs, he said, "It will be an issue for you (media), if we do not win the games. We are getting ready for quarter-final."
Asked about his comments on Sachin Tendulkar walking back to pavilion despite umpire signalling not out, Singh said, "Not surprised. He felt that he has to walk and he walked. It is a personal decision. It should be left to the person concerned."
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