SYDNEY: In what came as a welcome break from the on-field grind, the Indian cricket team was taken for a cruise ride along Sydney Harbour by the country's High Commission, which also hosted a dinner for the side.
"Team India were hosted by the Indian High Commission in Sydney on Sunday evening. It was a cruise ride along the harbour on 'Showboat' with the high commissioner, Mr. Biren Nanda welcomed the team," the BCCI said in a release.
Nanda addressed the gathered contingent, praising the Indian team for the fight it has shown in the three Tests of the series against Australia so far and wished it all the best for the long tour including the World Cup.
The Indian team has already lost the series 0-2 after the third Test ended in a draw in Melbourne. The fourth and final Test is scheduled to start here tomorrow.
Newly-appointed captain Virat Kohli spoke on behalf of his team when he thanked the High Commission for the delightful cruise.
"We are delighted to be on this cruise. It is very different from the usual High Commission functions," he said.
Kohli also spoke of his team's fighting performance so far.
"I stand here very proud of the way we have played so far in the series and the character the team has shown. All three Tests could have gone either way. I hope we continue to play like this in the future as well," he said.
The players socialised with other guests, signing autographs and posing for photos.
"After the speeches and exchange of pleasantries, the guests were seated down for dinner. After a delightful ride of about 90 minutes, the ship docked on the harbour and the team got back to the hotel."