Ahead of India vs Australia 4th Test toss, Indian PM Narendra Modi and Australian PM Anthony Albanese have reached the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
The last and decider match of the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2023 is scheduled to play on March 9 and the match will kickstart at 9:30 AM IST. As of every other match the toss will be at 9:00 AM IST – 30 minutes earlier than the match timing.
PM Modi has earlier visited the refurbished 1.1 lakh capacity stadium during the inauguration of the National Games last year, this is the first time he will be watching a Test match after its renaming.
Indian PM Modi Reached Ahmedabad Stadium
PM Narendra Modi reaches Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad at around 08:30 AM IST where BCCI Secretary Jay Shah and Gujarat CM welcome Mr Modi.
The BCCI president (Roger Binny) is felicitating Australia’s prime minister – Mr Anthony Albanese, while the BCCI secretary (Jay Shah) felicitates India’s prime minister – Mr Narendra Modi. Some traditional music and dance to celebrate to follow. The crowd lets out a huge cheer to celebrate this occasion.
The Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modiji and The Honourable Prime Minister of Australia, Mr Anthony Albanese have arrived at the stadium! @narendramodi | @PMOIndia | @AlboMP | #TeamIndia | #INDvAUS | @mastercardindia pic.twitter.com/5bijT2ENJ5
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 9, 2023
Both the Prime ministers are presenting the Test caps to both the skippers. Mr Modi presents the cap to Rohit Sharma, while Mr Albanese presents the baggy green to Steve Smith.
They’ll have a lap of honour across the ground to celebrate 75 years of friendship between India and Australia.
Australia won the toss and opted to bat First. CHECK: Today Indian Cricket Team Players List | India Match Update
Post the toss, former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri had a conversation with the prime ministers and they go through a few memorable moments between India and Australia. Shastri explains them the pictures of some significant events played between the two teams.
BCCI President Mr Roger Binny presents framed artwork representing 75 years of friendship through cricket to the Honourable Prime Minister of Australia Mr Anthony Albanese.
Mr. Roger Binny, President, BCCI presents framed artwork representing 75 years of friendship through cricket to Honourable Prime Minister of Australia Mr. Anthony Albanese#TeamIndia | #INDvAUS | @mastercardindia pic.twitter.com/Qm1dokNRPY
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 9, 2023
BCCI Secretary Mr Jay Shah presents framed artwork to the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modiji, celebrating 75 years of friendship with Australia through cricket.
Mr. Jay Shah, Honorary Secretary, BCCI, presents framed artwork to Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modiji, celebrating 75 years of friendship with Australia through cricket. @narendramodi | @PMOIndia | @JayShah | #TeamIndia | #INDvAUS | @mastercardindia pic.twitter.com/nmDJwq2Yer
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 9, 2023
Indian PM Modi and Australian PM Anthony Albanese along with their respective team players walked together for the national anthem.
India vs Australia 4th Test Pitch report
The pitch looks different to the one used against England. It looks well rolled, there is an even covering of grass and there are a few dry patches on the surface. Looks slightly damp as it’s early in the morning.
The spinners have loved to operate in these conditions. The wicket is going to break up as the game progresses. Plenty of wickets in it for the spinners, but it will play better than the previous pitches used in the series.
India Squad
Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Srikar Bharat(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami, Ishan Kishan, Jaydev Unadkat, Suryakumar Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav
Australia Squad
Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith(c), Peter Handscomb, Cameron Green, Alex Carey(w), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy, Matthew Kuhnemann, Scott Boland, Matt Renshaw, Mitchell Swepson, Lance Morris
