BANGALORE: Australian captain Ricky Ponting said he saw no reason why an Australian coach could not do a good job in India when quite a few of them were doing well with teams around the world.

"I think Tom Moody has done some terrific job in Sri Lanka leading them to the World Cup final and I can't see why an Australian coach could not fit and do a good job here", Ponting, who was here to participate in a training program for children, told reporters.

On Sunil Gavaskar reportedly being opposed to having an Australian coach for Team India, he said, "it is up to those guys. But if you look around us, you can see a lot Australian coaches doing pretty good job with teams around the world".

On BCCI's efforts to find a coach for Indian team, he said, "it is important that they get a coach on board" and end the current "dilemma" on the issue. Referring to the current Indian team, Ponting said it was important that all "senior players really make sure that they stick together", leading the way and providing directions to the younger lot.

"That is what has been the Australian strength", he said. To a question on the role of the coach in a team, he said, "cricket is run by the captain while the coach takes care of the technical side. But with the game getting as hectic as it was at the moment, the coach was important in mapping out programs well, organizing training session and ensuring a happy environment".

"We were lucky to play under some good coaches", he said while naming stalwarts like John Buchanan. "They made the job of the players much easier", he added.

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