AHMEDABAD: The mood was festive, Ravi Shastri's booming baritone had excitement and aura in equal measure, as a crowd of about 40,000 got a taste of cricket diplomacy with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese enjoying a good part of an intense opening session in the final Test.
India want to ensure a 3-1 series win and a place in the World Test Championship final, even as the Australians look to dent the home team's pride by restoring parity. But that is on the pitch.
Off it, Albanese and Modi did a lap of honour across the ground to mark the occasion of 75 years of friendship between India and Australia.
