Lee came face to face with Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly in Calcutta

He described it as "the unofficial world championship" during a visit to Calcutta on Sunday.

"The Ashes has tradition and history, but India have been playing well for the past two years. They are perhaps closest to us," he said.

Lee will miss this month's Tests in Zimbabwe and a home series against Sri Lanka in July because of injury.

He had to return home from a tour to Sri Lanka two months ago because of an ankle problem, but is due to return to action in September and hopes to be firing on all cylinders by the time Australia head for the sub-continent.

"Playing in India is a huge challenge and requires a lot of grit," said Lee.

Australia lost 2-1 in India in 2001 and only managed a 1-1 draw against them on home soil during the winter.

"It is possible to beat India in India. Australian set a certain benchmark and Ricky Ponting, like Sourav Ganguly, likes to lead from the front.

"It will not be easy because India have six of the top batsmen in the world.

"The pitches will be flat and help spinners, but the victory in Sri Lanka was an enormous boost and everyone is eager to come and play in India," Lee added.