Start of new beginning in US, says Kumble

Florida (United States), Aug 27: Indian coach Anil Kumble believes that the upcoming two T20 Internationals series between India and West Indies will mark the new beginning for cricket in the United States.

Addressing media persons ahead of tomorrow’s match, Kumble said, “It’s a wonderful initiative and we are really looking forward to our matches here. We have played in the past in the West Indies and a lot of Indians come over from the US to watch us. So this is a great opportunity for all of them and I’m sure this is the start of a new beginning here.”

The head coach was also satisfied with the facilities here and said,”I certainly didn’t expect the facilities to be as good as what it is in the United States. I felt that it could be a makeshift. I had heard about Florida and this ground, but very impressed with the facilities that we have seen today.”

This will be the first time India will be playing international matches in the US.

Speaking on limited overs skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, with whom he will working for the first time as a coach, Kumble said,”This is the first time that I’ll be working with MS, obviously we have played together over a long period of time and we had a chat yesterday and today as well. I’m really looking forward to working with him and the new set of boys like Bumrah who’s joined as well.”

The men in blue is scheduled to play two T20I against the two-time World T20 champions West Indies tomorrow and on Sunday.