In Pics: Australian Team Pay a Visit to Dalai Lama in Dharamsala

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March 25, 2017;

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The Quint – Mendra Dorjey Sahni – 24 March 2017

Australia and India’s cricket teams are both currently in Dharamsala for the fourth and final test between the sides. The match that starts Saturday will decide the winner of the series.

With so much on the line, the Australian cricket team chose to delay their practise session on the eve of the fixture and instead, paid a visit to Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama at his monastery in Mc Leodganj. In his usual cheerful mood, Dalai Lama spoke to the cricketers and their accompanying support staff at length, even playfully pulling Steve Smith’s nose.

After the interaction, the Australia captain revealed that he had asked the noble laureate about how to get a peaceful sleep during a high-pressure Test match.

Yeah, it was great. I asked him (His Holiness) a question about sleep and how he could help me and he gave me his blessings. We rubbed our noses together, and (he) gave me some blessings, so hopefully it’ll help me with my sleep over the next five days.

Steve Smith, Captain- Australia

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama with Australian captain Steven Smith during an interaction with the team at the Tsuglakhang temple in Dharmsala. (Photo: AP)

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama with the Australian team during an interaction with the team at the Tsuglakhang temple in Dharmsala. (Photo: AP)

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama with Australian captain Steven Smith during an interaction with the team at the Tsuglakhang temple in Dharmsala. (Photo: AP)