Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma delivered an inspiring address at the Australian Parliament on Thursday, ahead of the Indian team’s two-day pink ball practice match against the Prime Minister’s XI at Manuka Oval. This match, scheduled to begin on November 30, is crucial for India’s preparation for the upcoming day-night Test in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia, set to take place in Adelaide on December 6.
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Speaking at a reception hosted by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Sharma reflected on the deep-rooted relationship between India and Australia, highlighting the long history of friendly competition and cultural exchange. “India and Australia, we go back a long way,” he stated. “Whether it is playing a sport or creating relations, over the years we’ve enjoyed coming to this part of the world, playing cricket, and experiencing the variety of culture in the country.”
Sharma praised Australia as one of the toughest venues for international cricket, noting the passion of the Australian public and the competitiveness of its players as significant challenges. “Australia is one of the most challenging places to play cricket because of the passion people have and the competitiveness that every player possesses. That’s why for us, it’s always been a great challenge to come here and play cricket,” he remarked.
Expressing pride in India’s recent achievements in Australia, including their landmark 295-run victory in the opening game of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth, Sharma said, “We’ve had some success in the past, and we had very good momentum in the previous week.” He emphasized the team’s eagerness to build on that momentum in the upcoming series.
Glad to see my good friend Prime Minister @AlboMP with the Indian and PM’s XI teams.
Team India is off to a great start in the series and 1.4 billion Indians are strongly rooting for the Men in Blue.
I look forward to exciting games ahead. https://t.co/Oc7UWBKSGh
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 28, 2024
Sharma also acknowledged the importance of fan support, both from Australian crowds and the large Indian diaspora in the country. “The Indian fans who are here play a massive role in achieving what we achieve because without their support, it’s never easy,” he stated. “We look forward to playing some cricket and enjoying the country as well.”
Earlier in the day, Australian PM Albanese warmly welcomed the Indian team and praised key players, including Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli, for their exceptional performances in the first Test of the series. He took to social media to express, “Big challenge ahead for the PM’s XI at Manuka Oval this week against an amazing Indian side.” However, he added, “But as I said to PM @narendramodi, I’m backing the Aussies to get the job done.”
In response, PM Modi said, “Glad to see my good friend Prime Minister @AlboMP with the Indian and PM’s XI teams. Team India is off to a great start in the series, and 1.4 billion Indians are strongly rooting for the Men in Blue. I look forward to exciting games ahead.”
The reception also featured the Prime Minister’s XI, led by Jack Edwards, meeting with Albanese. Cricket continues to play a significant role in the diplomatic relations between India and Australia, with both leaders promoting their shared love for the sport.
As the Indian team gears up for the upcoming Test match, Sharma’s address reinforced the deep ties between the two nations, extending beyond cricket into the broader cultural and diplomatic arena. “We do love coming here and enjoying our cricket,” he concluded. “It’s been a wonderful place, and we look forward to a very good month ahead, entertaining the Australian public and the Indian fans.”
