Cricket: Kiwis star turn at the Taj Mahal

GWALIOR - The Taj Mahal is one of the wonders of the world, so it is not often that there is a rival attraction within its own grounds.

But when most of the New Zealand cricket team made a visit on Tuesday, many of the hundreds of people there also turned their attention to the players, chasing them constantly for autographs and photos.

One attempt by the New Zealanders for a group photo in the gardens in front of the white marble tomb had onlookers rushing to join in and have their pictures taken with the players.

Cricket is followed with passion in India, and the guide who led the New Zealanders through the site remarked: "I wonder what the people want to see more, the Taj Mahal or the cricket team."

But not everyone was sure who the Black Caps were. One German tourist, confused by the fuss, asked one of the players: "Why are you so famous?"

And an English-speaking tourist said to another member of the party: "It's nice to meet an Australian."

Despite the distractions, the New Zealanders' social committee head, Shayne O'Connor, said the 240km round trip from the team's base of Gwalior was well worth it.

"When you get through the main gate and see the Taj Mahal for the first time, it's like, wow," he said. "It's breathtaking."

- NZPA