Top Australian fast bowler Brett Lee said Monday he was looking forward to giving an impressive performance in the upcoming Test series in India, which he said would be bigger than the Ashes.

"The Ashes (between Australia and England) has tradition and history, but India have been playing well for the past two years. They are perhaps closest to us," said Lee, who was here on a private visit.

"In this context, the India series can be rated as the unofficial world championship. We have grown up watching the Ashes on TV sets, but this series is going to be bigger."

Australia are scheduled to play four Test matches in India in October.

Lee, who missed Australia's last tour of India in 2001 due to an injury, said he was keen give a good performance this time as it was a big task to beat India at home.

"Playing in India is a huge challenge and requires a lot of grit," said the Australian, who has so far grabbed 139 wickets in 37 Tests.