The ace-leg-spinner, in an apparent reference to players like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman, urged his senior mates to make a final push to glory.
“Most of the senior cricketers are here on their last tour of Australia, so it’s very important we go back victorious,” Kumble told reporters after arriving here with the Indian squad to play a four-Test series, beginning at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 26. Kumble said beating Australia in their den is a major incentive for his team.
“It means a lot to all of us in the team and also it means a lot to Indian cricket. We came pretty close to doing that the last time we came here (in 2003-04). Leading up to the (final) Sydney Test match it was 1-1 and we did extremely well in the last Test series (to draw), so it’s going to be very crucial for all of us,” he said.
“Not many teams have come here and gone home victorious, so it’s a great opportunity for all of us.”
No series win so far
India have never achieved a series victory against Australia on their soil and the last time a team beat them Down Under was West Indies in 1991-1992. What makes the task even more daunting is that the Australians have not lost a Test since August 2005 and are on a 14-Test winning streak at the moment.
However, Kumble felt the absence of a quality spinner made the Australians vulnerable and his team was looking forward to take advantage. “They miss Warnie (Shane Warne), somebody like him, so that’s something, an area, we can (exploit).”
Veteran batsman Sachin Tendulkar, while admitting it may be his last tour to Australia, said the Indian team was confident of a good show. “I think it will be my last tour, I don’t know what’s in store but I am just going to come and enjoy my cricket. Australia has been a fantastic place, we’ve come here in good shape and are looking forward to this tour,” he said
Meanwhile, Australia coach Tim Nielsen said the Indians will have to be at their best to challenge the hosts. “It’s all great to talk the talk, the real challenge for both sides is to walk the walk come Boxing Day,” he said.
