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Echoing the sentiment, Matt Cook, the coach of the Australian Under-18 women’s team, showered praise on Bhopal’s biryani, fragrant rice layered with tender meat and veggies which is typically cooked on slow fire and served hot with a delectable seasoning of spices.

“How can anyone come to Bhopal and not try the biryani? It’s simply outstanding,” Cook said, in a ringing endorsement of the delicacy, adding, “We’d love to return and play a series here—both the food and the hospitality are excellent.”

Even as their young wards settled into the city and geared for their matches, the coaches reserved fulsome praise for the top-notch care provided — from sumptuous meals to seamless arrangements.

The Aussie Under 18s, who are to feature in a four-match bilateral series against India in the Madhya Pradesh capital, have already been bowled by the city’s rich culinary heritage.

As coach Mitchell put it, the teams and support staff were being “very well looked after”, putting them at ease before the action unfolds on alien turf. TNN