Different time zone and different landscape. The Team India caravan has moved into Perth, a vibrant and modern capital first settled in 1829 and now swarming with 1.4 million people, not far-off from the famous white sand and blue-green waters of the West Australian coastline.

Inside the city, it’s the Swan river that flows by and much of the wildlife and mineral resources lie on the south. But the real action lies in the north — to be precise, at the WACA ground.

The Indian team arrived here this afternoon to restart their Test campaign here 10 days after the controversial Sydney episode, and 16 years after their last five-day match, hoping that they will be able to shine through in this city that claims to enjoy the maximum sunshine than any other city in Australia.

An important visitor was awaiting the Indian team’s arrival at its team hotel: an excited Gary Kirsten along with his wife, Deborah, interacted with the players. After a little while, Deborah just watched her husband slip into the mode that is expected to be the norm soon.

The new Indian coach, Kirsten, has been texting Anil Kumble for a while now to discuss strategies and today he met the team informally. Though his first formal training session is slated for the morrow, he will officially be taking charge in March after the Australian tour. Kirsten just wants the team to focus on their cricket, and get their mind thinking positive to play the brand of cricket that the Indians have been renowned for.

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