Wright laments Kumble's unavailability

India's cricket coach John Wright of New Zealand on Tuesday rued the fact that leg spinner Anil Kumble will miss the forthcoming home series against Australia.

"It's a pity that leg spinner Anil Kumble will not be available for the home series against the Australians, starting in February," he said after being informed about the surgery Kumble will undergo on Wednesday.

Kumble has been ruled out of action for the next four months.

"It would have been nice to have every one fit against the Australians and my first priority during the one-week camp, to be held at Chennai from February 5-10, would be towards physical fitness," he added.

He said he would also give importance to catching, fielding and running between the wickets and predicted a hard series ahead.

"We (Indians) have enormous talent and with a little more discipline the team can be moulded into a winning combination," he said.

Wright will also visit the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore after watching the four-day Duleep Trophy match between West Zone and South Zone, to be held at Surat from January 18 to 21.

Earlier story: Kumble to miss Australian series

Mail Cricket Editor