BCCI approached 'late', Kirsten to join team later

MELBOURNE: Blaming the BCCI for approaching him late, former South Africa batsman Gary Kirsten said he can join the Indian squad as its new coach only in the second half of their Australia tour.
   
Kirsten said by the time BCCI approached him, he had made commitments, which would make it impossible to join the team right from the start of the four-match Test series Down Under.
   
"The reality is that I was approached quite late by the Indian board, and, in accepting the job, I told them I had commitments over Christmas and New Year. But it looks like we are close to resolving that issue, and I will join the team for the last two Tests," Kirsten was quoted as saying in 'Sydney Morning Herald'.
   
India captain Anil Kumble also had no problem with him joining later, Kirsten said.
   
"The last thing you want to do is come in and be a distraction, but I have spoken to (Indian captain) Anil (Kumble) about my situation and he is comfortable with me joining the tour later," he said.
   
Aware that he does not have the experience of coaching a side in the past, Kirsten, however, oozed confidence of making a mark and said he would not try to impose ideas on his wards.
   
"I will not be coming in and imposing my ideas on them. That would be wrong. I will try and blend in and help anyway I can."
   
Dwelling on the Australia tour, Kirsten predicted India would cash in on Australia's lack of a quality spinner, especially after doubt over Stuart MacGill.

"They've obviously had Shane Warne there for many years, and he was able to fill a lot of jobs for them, most notably his ability to strike and take wickets in all conditions and situations," Kirsten said.
   
"Now there is a possibility that Australia may play an inexperienced spinner, and I'm sure the Indian batsmen will look to put pressure on whoever that turns out to be.
   
"If they can do that successfully, it could play into India's hands. They have got a good record against Australia, and I think the guys are feeling pretty confident heading into the series," Kirsten said.
   
The South African, however, insisted that the Australians could never be underestimated.
   
"I'm always very wary of an Australian team that seems to have a few holes in it," he said.
   
"They have plenty of depth and in a lot of cases have the players to replace those who have left. Someone like Hogg is a good example, having played a lot of one-day cricket, and he could do a good job. Still, there seems to be uncertainty there, so you have to look at it."