<p>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.</p>.<p>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.</p>.<p>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.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/cricket/head-and-labuschagne-fall-after-australias-decent-start-1198464.html" target="_blank">Head and Labuschagne fall after Australia's decent start</a></strong></p>.<p>The only dampener was the tight multi-layered security arrangement because of the presence of the two heads of states. That's why the gigantic stadium was not even half full when Modi and Albanese took a round of the ground in a cricket-themed cart. However, they still got the warmest of ovation from those present at the venue.</p>.<p>BCCI president Roger Binny presented Albanese with his portrait while secretary Jay Shah gave one to the Indian PM.</p>.<p>The two leaders then inaugurated the newly designed Hall of Fame room where cricket and nostalgia are intrinsically seeped into each other.</p>.<p><strong>Also See | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/dh-galleries/photos/in-pics-pm-modi-albanese-watch-india-australia-test-match-in-motera-1198445#1" target="_blank">PM Modi, Albanese watch India-Aus Test match</a></strong></p>.<p>There couldn't have been a better person than former head coach Shastri to lend his service during their brief but engaging date with cricket history.</p>.<p>The two captains -- Rohit Sharma and Steve Smith -- also had their moment under the sun. They walked into the field with their respective prime ministers and introduced them to the other players.</p>.<p>Albanese gave a few seconds more to Australia's best performer on tour -- Nathan Lyon -- as Modi greeted all the Indian players with a firm handshake.</p>.<p>Singing the national anthem standing alongside the Indian PM is a tale that Rohit would love to tell his grandchildren someday.</p>.<p>India entered the series-deciding fourth Test leading 2-1.</p>
<p>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.</p>.<p>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.</p>.<p>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.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/cricket/head-and-labuschagne-fall-after-australias-decent-start-1198464.html" target="_blank">Head and Labuschagne fall after Australia's decent start</a></strong></p>.<p>The only dampener was the tight multi-layered security arrangement because of the presence of the two heads of states. That's why the gigantic stadium was not even half full when Modi and Albanese took a round of the ground in a cricket-themed cart. However, they still got the warmest of ovation from those present at the venue.</p>.<p>BCCI president Roger Binny presented Albanese with his portrait while secretary Jay Shah gave one to the Indian PM.</p>.<p>The two leaders then inaugurated the newly designed Hall of Fame room where cricket and nostalgia are intrinsically seeped into each other.</p>.<p><strong>Also See | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/dh-galleries/photos/in-pics-pm-modi-albanese-watch-india-australia-test-match-in-motera-1198445#1" target="_blank">PM Modi, Albanese watch India-Aus Test match</a></strong></p>.<p>There couldn't have been a better person than former head coach Shastri to lend his service during their brief but engaging date with cricket history.</p>.<p>The two captains -- Rohit Sharma and Steve Smith -- also had their moment under the sun. They walked into the field with their respective prime ministers and introduced them to the other players.</p>.<p>Albanese gave a few seconds more to Australia's best performer on tour -- Nathan Lyon -- as Modi greeted all the Indian players with a firm handshake.</p>.<p>Singing the national anthem standing alongside the Indian PM is a tale that Rohit would love to tell his grandchildren someday.</p>.<p>India entered the series-deciding fourth Test leading 2-1.</p>