Cricket

Confident India Arrive In Australia

The Indian cricket team arrived in Australia on Tuesday full of optimism ahead of their four-test series.

18 December 2007

Confident India Arrive In Australia

Anil Kumble (left), and Mahendra Singh Dhoni shortly after arriving in Melbourne.

The Indian cricket team arrived in Australia on Tuesday full of optimism ahead of their four-test series . India have never won a test series in Australia but held out for a 1-1 draw on their last visit four years ago when Saurav Gangauly was captain of Indian cricket team . Captain Anil Kumble said they were hoping to go one better this time."It means a lot, we came pretty close to doing that the last time we came here," Kumble told reporters at Melbourne Airport."We did extremely well in the last test series, so it's going to be very crucial for all of us."India have good reason to feel confident having won each of their last three series -- against Pakistan, England and Bangladesh -- as well as this year's inaugural Twenty20 World Cup.It may also be the last chance for many of the team's more senior players to win in Australia , something that has not escaped Kumble."Most of the senior cricketers are here on their last tour of Australia, so it's very important we go back victorious," Kumble said."It means a lot to all of us in the team and also it means a lot to Indian cricket."Not many teams have come here and gone home victorious, so it's a great opportunity for all of us and we look forward to that."India begin their tour with a three-day first-class match against Victoria on Thursday before the first test starts in Melbourne on December 26.They will also play tests in Sydney, Perth and Adelaide before Sri Lanka join them and Australia for a triangular limited-overs series .