India on a 'huge learning curve'

Stopping Australia from a one-day series whitewash rests firmly on the shoulders of India's bowlers, according to team director Ravi Shastri.

The former captain says the tour has been one of the toughest he's experienced and a "huge learning curve" for his young side, which has featured three debutants.

The hosts hold a 3-0 lead in the five-game Victoria Bitter One-Day International Series, with matches in Canberra (Wednesday) and Sydney (Saturday) remaining.

Despite the results, Shastri says there is "absolutely no shame" in the way India has played "because I know there's only one way to go after this tour of Australia and that's up".

"I see no reason why after this series, I'm sure the bowlers will learn and we can go places," he said on the eve of Wednesday's clash at Manuka Oval.

"It's a learning curve."

WATCH: Magnificent Maxi seals MCG victory

Asked if India could prevent Australia from a clean sweep, Shastri said it was only possible if his bowlers learnt from their mistakes.

"And if that happens, I think that will be the biggest plus – irrespective of the result," he added.

"To win a game, one or two bowlers can't do a job. You need to bowl as a unit.

"The reason why we did well in the World Cup, we had all five bowlers firing.

"When that happens, then you have a chance of beating the best in the world."

WATCH: Bailey rules WACA with terrific ton

Shastri said while there was no excuse for losing, he noted how hard the travel had been for the visiting side – both sides have played across three different time zones inside six days.

"When you consider all that, the boys have done extremely well."

He also defended his batsmen, who have been criticised for putting themselves ahead of the team.

Australia's Glenn Maxwell on Sunday suggested the likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were driven by milestones.

"If they were focusing on milestones, Virat Kholi won't be the fastest to 7000 runs – he would've taken another 100 games," Shastri said.

"If that was the case, Rohat Sharma would not be having two double hundreds and a score of 264."