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The Indian cricket team had a memorable meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Sydney ahead of the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. The match is set to begin on Friday, January 3, at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground.
Team India’s second interaction with Australian PM Anthony Albanese
The event at Kirribilli House brought together players, officials, and other distinguished guests, celebrating the spirit of cricket as a unifying force. Albanese shared multiple photographs from the interaction, highlighting moments with players from both teams, including separate snapshots with Indian stalwart Virat Kohli and Australian legend Glenn McGrath.
This meeting was not the first between Albanese and the Indian cricket team during this series. The squad previously interacted with the Australian Prime Minister during a warmup game against the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra. These engagements underline the significance of cricket as a medium for fostering cross-cultural ties and mutual respect between the two nations.
Team India players meet Australia's prime minister Anthony Albanese ahead of the final Test match 🙌#Cricket #AUSvIND #ViratKohli𓃵 #AnthonyAlbanese pic.twitter.com/Xg1JLHeGjh
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 1, 2025
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Michael Clarke predicts Sydney Test as a farewell game for an Australian veteran
PM Albanese reveals plans for a law featuring Jasprit Bumrah
Amid the camaraderie at Kirribilli House, PM Albanese added a humorous touch to the proceedings by referencing India’s ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah. According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Albanese remarked, “We could pass a law here that says he has to bowl left-handed or off one step. Every time he has come onto bowl has been very exciting,” This lighthearted comment reflects the Prime Minister’s admiration for Bumrah’s sheer dominance in the ongoing series. Known for his lethal accuracy, deceptive variations, and unrelenting aggression, Bumrah has consistently troubled the Australian batting order.
Bumrah has been the backbone of India’s bowling attack throughout the BGT. His incredible performance has yielded 30 wickets in four Tests at a stellar average of 12.83, including three five-wicket hauls. Bumrah’s ability to adapt to varying conditions and dismantle even the most formidable batting lineups has made him an indispensable asset. However, the Indian bowling unit has struggled to provide adequate support, with Bumrah carrying a disproportionate share of the workload.
India’s uphill battle to salvage the series
India faces a monumental task heading into the final Test. A win in Sydney would not only level the series at 2-2 but also keep their hopes alive for securing a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final. The team’s legacy of not losing a Test series to Australia since 2014-15 is at stake. However, the Indian batting lineup has been inconsistent, with only a few players managing to withstand Australia’s relentless bowling attack. While Bumrah has been exceptional, the lack of contributions from other bowlers and the failure of the batting unit have left India trailing 1-2. To turn the tide, the team will need collective brilliance in Sydney, particularly from the batting lineup.
