India, Australia cooperating to build better world: PM Anthony Albanese

On Thursday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who had just watched the first day of the final test match of the Border Gavaskar Trophy at Gujarat stadium, compared the cricket match to India-Australia ties, saying that both countries are cooperating to make the world a better place as their cricket teams compete to be the best in the world.

After leaving the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, PM 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.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison attended the fourth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Ahmedabad to commemorate ’75 years of friendship’ between the two countries.

Meanwhile, PM Modi tweeted, “Cricket, a common passion in India and Australia! Glad to be in Ahmedabad with my good friend, PM @AlboMP to witness parts of the India-Australia Test Match. I am sure it will be an exciting game!”

Both prime ministers were greeted with applause as they took a lap of honour around the massive sports arena to commemorate 75 years of friendship between India and Australia.

The hosts made only one change in the game, with Mohammed Shami replacing pacer Mohammad Siraj, who was rested due to his workload. Australia’s winning team was unchanged from the third Test.

In the fourth Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Australia won the toss and captain Steve Smith chose to bat first against India.
PM Modi presented the Test cap to India captain Rohit Sharma, while PM Abbott presented the ‘Baggy Green’ to Australia captain Steve Smith.

The Australian Prime Minister, who arrived in India on Wednesday, attended Holi celebrations at Raj Bhawan in Gandhinagar on the same day as Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat.

“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”,  Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese tweeted colourful images of Holi celebrations with flowers and colours.

On the same day, the Australian Prime Minister paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel accompanied Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on his visit to the Ashram. Albanese took a full tour of the Ashram during his visit.

The Australian PM, upon his arrival in India, tweeted: “An incredible welcome to Ahmedabad, India. The beginning of an important trip for Australia-India relations.”