India stand good chance of beating NZ, England and Australia: Murali

Sri Lankan spin legend Muttiah Muralitharan on Thursday wished his one-time rival Anil Kumble good luck for India's upcoming New Zealand series, asserting that under the new coach the hosts stood a good chance of winning not only against the Kiwis, but also against England and Australia.

"Anil is very knowledgeable. He knows what to do. They have good chance of winning not only the New Zealand series but England and Australia as well," Murali said.

New Zealand are presently in India to play three Test matches and five One-Day Internationals (ODIs) till October 29.

England are slated to tour India from November, 2016, to the beginning of February next year for five Tests, and three ODIs and Twenty20 Internationals each. Australia are scheduled to visit later next year.

Murali, the highest wicket taker in Test history, gave Indian spinners the edge over their New Zealand counterparts despite the visitors coming with three spinners.

"India have the edge over anyone else. They have far better spinners," said the Sri Lankan, who snared 800 wickets in Tests and 534 in ODIs.

On Virat Kohli's Test captaincy, the happy-go-lucky tweaker said: "Virat is doing well. India are winning matches under him."

Murali, who arrived in the city on Thursday to fulfil his commitment as bowling consultant with regard to the Cricket Association of Bengal's "Vision 2020" programme, feels the only disadvantage in playing the Ranji Trophy at a neutral venue is lack of home support.

"Only thing is there will be no supporters. Otherwise there is no problem. It is good to play on different wickets."

Recently Sri Lanka whitewashed Australia 3-0 in Tests in their own lair.

"Sri Lanka did well in Tests. It is a young team and the wicket was spin friendly," he said.

--IANS

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