Before India and Australia began Day 1 of the all important 4th Test of the Border-Gavaskar trophy 2023, respective Prime Ministers of both the countries started the proceedings by doing the lap of honor here at Ahmedabad’s largest cricket stadium in the world.
Special Coin Toss 👏 👏
Australia have elected to bat against #TeamIndia in the fourth #INDvAUS Test. pic.twitter.com/psZeo6z5HV
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 9, 2023
India and Australia are celebrating their 75 years of friendship and association in 2023 and there could not have been a better way to celebrate. Moments before the 4th test began both of the leaders of the country got together with the respective team captains.
A special welcome & special handshakes! 👏
The Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modiji and the Honourable Prime Minister of Australia, Mr Anthony Albanese meet #TeamIndia & Australia respectively. @narendramodi | @PMOIndia | #TeamIndia | #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/kFZsEO1H12
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 9, 2023
Indian PM Narendra Modi received felicitation from BCCI Secretary Jay Shah while Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was welcomed by BCCI President Roger Binny. The 2 national leaders will be watching over the proceedings of Day 1 as India aims to beat Australia in order to secure a spot in the ICC World Test Championship final.
Incredible moments 👏👏
The Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modiji and the Honourable Prime Minister of Australia, Mr Anthony Albanese take a lap of honour at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad@narendramodi | @PMOIndia | #TeamIndia | #INDvAUS | @GCAMotera pic.twitter.com/OqvNFzG9MD
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 9, 2023
The visitors don’t have much to lose as they are rather playing for their pride and to spoil the Indian party. If the Aussies secure a win or even a draw, then India will not be able to reach the WTC final at Oval on June 7 unless New Zealand beats Sri-Lanka in their 2-match Test series.
As for the 4th BGT test match, Australian captain Steve Smith elected to bat first after winning the toss in a batting friendly track. The Aussies are playing with the same playing XI which demolished India at Indore’s Holkar stadium in the 3rd test by 9 wickets.
The Baggy greens have got off to a decent start but they have lost 2 early wickets. Travis Head and Usman Khawaja opened the innings for Australia but the former batter was removed by Ravichandran Ashwin for 32 while Marnus Labuschagne who came in at number 3 was clean bowled by pacer Mohammad Shami.
Australia are currently 75/2 at Lunch.
