The fourth Test between India and Australia kicked off in style at the at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday (March 9). The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese took a lap of honour at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad moments before the all-important clash of the Border-Gavaskar series kicked off.
Amid beefed up security both the PMs took a round of the stadium on a gold-plated golf car. The leaders of the two countries are set to join the commentary panel on the first day of the Ahmedabad Test as India look for a series win. Modi and Albanese’s visit is a part of the celebrations relating to the 75 years of Indo-Australia friendship.
Ahead of the toss, the two Prime Ministers were welcomed with loud cheers as they took a lap of honour around the stadium. "One of the things that bind both countries is cricket and it will be great to see the leaders of India and Australia on day one of the matches in Ahmedabad," Australian High Commissioner Barry O'Farrell had said.
Here's the video…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday's morning. Governor Acharya Devvrat, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, state's Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, BCCI president Roger Binny and BCCI secretary Jay Shah received him at the stadium.
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Steve Smith won the flip of the unique coin made for the occasion as Australia decided to bat first. Australia played the unchanged side from the previous match. Meanwhile, Rohit dropped Mohammed Siraj to bring in Mohammed Shami in India's playing XI.
Skippers of the both teams Rohit Sharma and Steve Smith were handed caps from their respective Prime Ministers just before the match.
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Australia have already fixed their berth in ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-2023 final after winning the third Test against India. Now, India need to win the fourth Test to confirm their place in the WTC final which will be held at the Oval in June.
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