NEW DELHI: Prior to the fifth and final Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test commencing on Friday, Indian and Australian cricketers attended a New Year’s reception hosted by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his fiancee Jodie Haydon at Kirribilli House in Sydney on Wednesday.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Albanese praised India’s premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who has claimed 30 wickets in the series thus far.
“We could pass a law here that says he has to bowl left-handed or off one step. Every time he has come onto bowl has been very exciting,” Albanese remarked during the 90-minute gathering.
The report also stated that Sam Konstas, Australia’s newest Test cricketer who scored an impressive 60 on debut at the MCG, obtained a photograph with his idol Virat Kohli.

Earlier, their shoulder collision had resulted in Kohli receiving a 20 per cent fine and a demerit point. Konstas’s parents, who attended the function, requested a photograph with Bumrah.
“Of course, he got his break in the Prime Minister’s XI (game, where Konstas scored a hundred). I’m claiming some of the credit, which is about my only contribution to national cricket,” Albanese added.

While Rohit Sharma was scheduled to address the attendees, head coach Gautam Gambhir delivered remarks instead, avoiding discussion of the ongoing series.
“Australia is a beautiful country to travel but a tough place to tour. Crowds have been absolutely amazing. We’ve got another Test match to go. Hopefully we can entertain the crowd,” he stated.
With Australia holding a 2-1 series advantage, captain Pat Cummins commented, “The last week in Melbourne is right up there is one of the best Test matches we’ve been involved with. Over the five days, I’ve never seen anything like it. Looking forward to this week. It’s a decider. It’s our chance to win the series. Can’t wait.”