Prior to their two-day practice match against the Prime Minister’s XI, the Indian cricket team, captained by Rohit Sharma, met Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Parliament House in Canberra. There were several humorous moments in the exchange between the two parties.
Albanese welcomed the Indian players, starting with Jasprit Bumrah, whom he commended for his distinctive bowling style and commitment to the team’s victory. However, one particular discussion between Albanese and former Indian captain Virat Kohli was particularly noteworthy.
Albanese turned to face Kohli and said cheekily, “Good ton in Perth, as if we weren’t suffering enough at that point.” When Kohli said, “Always got to add some spice,” the Albanese laughed and said, “Well, India, you know.” Kohli’s outstanding century during the first Test in Perth, where India won by a commanding 295 runs, was mentioned in this jest. With his century, Kohli achieved his eighth on Australian soil and his 30th in Test cricket. Another important player in that victory was Jasprit Bumrah.
His eight-wicket haul earned him the Player of the Match award. As the Australian Prime Minister continued to speak with the team, Rohit Sharma introduced other players, such as Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin. The gathering was a prelude to the Indian team’s two-day pink-ball warm-up game, which begins on Saturday at Canberra’s Manuka Oval. India needs to win this practice match in order to be ready for the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which will take place at the Adelaide Oval starting on December 6.
Along with posting photos from the meeting on social media, Albanese wrote, “The PM’s XI faces a formidable Indian team at Manuka Oval this week. However, I’m supporting the Australians to finish the job, as I told Prime Minister Narendra Modi.” Cricket Australia’s top selector, George Bailey, highlighted the practice match between the Indian team and up-and-coming Australian players, stressing its importance for both teams before the pink-ball encounter.
