An impressive Australia crushed India 4-0 to get its Asian Cup campaign off to a bright start here on Monday.

Everton star Tim Cahill scored two goals while Harry Kewell and Brett Holman netted one each.

India, playing in the tournament for the first time in 27 years, was out of its depth but got a look at goal when captain Climax Lawrence's shot from 25 yards drifted well wide of the post.

India now has its work cut out with Group C clashes against mighty South Korea and solid Bahrain awaiting it.

Australia faces the Koreans on January 14 in a match that could determine the top finisher in the group.