Australia captain Michael Clarke has admitted that he and his side will face a tough challenge when they begin their tour of India.

The Aussies' four-match Test series against the Indian starts on February 22 in Chennai.

"Touring India is as tough a challenge as I've had in my career," Clarke told reporters in Sydney.

"Every time I've been there on a Test tour it's been extremely difficult, hence the Australian team hasn't won that much over there. So it's a huge challenge, the players know that."

Clarke's side are in good form heading into the series in India following their 5-0 whitewash of the West Indies in their one-day series earlier this month.