Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese witnessed part of the 4th Commemorative Cricket Test Match of Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat on Thursday.

Replying to a tweet by the prime minister of Australia, Modi tweeted: “Cricket, a common passion in India and Australia! Glad to be in Ahmedabad with my good friend, PM Anthony Albanese to witness parts of the India-Australia Test Match. I am sure it will be an exciting game!”

Anthony Albanese had tweeted: “Celebrating 75 years of friendship though cricket with Indian Prime Minister.”

Sharing glimpses of the test match from Ahmedabad, the prime minister Modi tweeted: “Some more glimpses from Ahmedabad. It is cricket all over!”

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) tweeted: “Celebrating IN AU friendship through cricket!  Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Anthony Albanese watch parts of #INDvsAUS match in Ahmedabad.”

The Australian prime minister watched the first day of the final test and compared the cricket match with India-Australia ties, saying that both countries are cooperating to make a better world as the cricket teams of both countries are competing to be the best in the world.

After leaving the Narendra Modi Stadium, Albanese tweeted, “As two cricket-loving nations, Australia and India share a fierce but friendly rivalry. At the heart of this contest is genuine respect, reflecting the affection and friendship between our people.”

“On the field, Australia and India are competing to be the best in the world. Off the field, we are co-operating to build a better world. Prime Minister @narendramodi and I had the honour of opening the fourth test in Gujarat today. Good luck to all the players (but go Australia!),” he added.

On his arrival, the prime minister and his Australian counterpart were felicitated by the secretary and president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Jay Shah and Roger Binny, respectively. The two leaders witnessed a performance, Unity of Symphony, by singer Ms Falguni Shah.

On the occasion, the prime minister handed over the Test Cap to the captain of Team India, Rohit Sharma, while the Australian PM handed over the Test Cap to the Australian captain Steve Smith. This was followed by the Indian and Australian Prime Ministers taking a guard of honour in a golf cart before a huge crowd in the stadium.

The two captains proceeded to the pitch for the toss while Modi and his Australian counterpart moved towards the Friendship Hall of Fame for a walkthrough. Former Team India coach and player, Ravi Shastri, accompanied the two prime ministers and explained the rich cricketing history between India and Australia.

This was followed by the two team captains accompanying the Prime Ministers to the field of play. The two captains introduced the team to the respective Prime Ministers followed by the national anthems of India and Australia. The Prime Minister and the Australian Prime Minister then moved to the President’s Box to view the test match between the two cricketing giants.

Australia won the toss and captain Steve Smith elected to bat first against India in the fourth Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

The Australian PM arrived in India on Wednesday. On the same day, he participated in Holi celebrations along with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and the Governor of Gujarat Acharya Devvrat at Raj Bhawan in the state capital Gandhinagar.

“Honoured to celebrate Holi in Ahmedabad, India. Holi’s message of renewal through the triumph of good over evil is an enduring reminder for all of us,” tweeted the Australian PM with colourful pictures of Holi celebrations with flowers and colours.

On the same day, the Australian prime minister visited the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad and paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi. The Gujarat chief minister accompanied him on his visit to the Ashram. During the visit, Albanese took a complete tour of the Ashram.

The Australian prime minister is on a state visit to India from 8 to 11 March. This is his first visit to India in his current role. In Delhi, Prime Minister Albanese will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan on Friday.

Modi and Prime Minister Albanese will hold an Annual Summit to discuss areas of cooperation under the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, besides regional and global issues of mutual interest. Prime Minister Albanese will call on President Droupadi Murmu.

The Strategic Partnership between India and Australia was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in June 2020 which has been strengthened and deepened through frequent high-level exchanges and enhanced cooperation across sectors.