PM Modi, Australian PM Albanese at Gujarat Stadium for India-Australia Test

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi attended the first day of the fourth test cricket match in the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2023. The match is played at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad in Gujarat.

PM Modi welcomed his Australian counterpart at the venue, the largest stadium in the world. They took the lap of the field on a chariot before presenting the caps to their respective team captains.

Albanese watched the first hour's play between India and Australia in the company of Prime Minister Narendra Modi."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 peoples," the Australian PM tweeted and shared a picture in which both the leaders are seen waving hands at the crowd.

In the follow-up tweet, Albanese said that India and Australia are competing to be the best in the world in cricket, but the two countries are co-operating to build a better world off the field.

On his turn, Prime Minister Narendra 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!"

Australia captain Steve Smith won the toss and opted to bat versus India at the toss for the fourth and final test.

Earlier, PM Modi arrived at the venue and was received by Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and state Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi. BCCI president Roger Binny and BCCI secretary Jay Shah were also present at the felicitation.

Banners of Prime Minister Modi and his Australian counterpart went up at the Narendra Modi stadium ahead of the final Test.

India is currently leading the series 2-1. However, the hosts need to secure an outright victory in the final Test to qualify for the final of the ICC World Test Championship where they will be facing Australia in London from June 7 onwards.

"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 said.

On Wednesday, Albanese participated in Holi celebrations along with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and the Governor of Gujarat Acharya Devvrat at Raj Bhawan in the state capital Gandhinagar.

"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", tweeted Australian PM Anthony Albanese with colourful pictures of Holi celebrations with flowers and colours.

"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 said.

The Australian Prime Minister on the same day visited the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad and paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel accompanied the Australian PM on his visit to the Ashram.

During the visit, Albanese took a complete tour of the Ashram. 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."