Kumble hopeful of winning Test series against Australia

Vadodara, Sep 23 (UNI) Team India captain Anil Kumble is quite hopeful of winning the forthcoming Test series against the new look Australian squad.

''It is a great opportunity for us to utilise our experience and strength to win the home series against the visitors, without many of their experienced players,'' he said today.

Talking to reporters on the eve of the Irani Trophy match between Rest of India and Ranji champions Delhi, to be played at the Reliance Stadium here tomorrow, Kumble rejected the apprehension that former India coach Greg Chappel's presence in the Australian squad as strategy assistant would impact India's prospect.

Admitting that the coming Aussies series will be very interesting and competitive, the Indian skipper said the last three Test series against Australia had been very close.

''This is an inportant series for all of us and the Indian cricket as a good result would give a big boost to cricket in India,'' he said adding that the home side was always expected to win.

Asked about Sachin Tendulkar's fitness, the skipper said Sachin was 100 per cent fit for the test series and he will be reporting for the Bangalore camp ahead of the series.

Kumble, who is leading the Rest of India team in the Irani trophy match against Virender Sehwag-led Delhi, said he would even like Sewag, Gautam Gambhir and other members of Delhi to fire in the match to gain more confidence ahead of the crucial Australia series.

Irani trophy was very important as performance of the players in the match would certainly count for selection of the Indian squad, he said.

India coach Garry Kirsten said Irani trophy match was an important component for preparation for the test series. Delhi coach Vijay Dahiya said this was best possible opportunity for his boys to perform in the tournament to draw the national selectors' attention.

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