Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed the Indian and Australian cricket teams in Sydney prior to the fifth Test match. The Prime Minister engaged in conversation with players from both teams at Kirribilli House. Albanese praised Jasprit Bumrah's outstanding performance in the current series, noting that the Indian fast bowler has taken 30 wickets across four matches, the highest in the series, and has also become the fastest Indian pacer to reach 200 wickets, accomplishing this milestone in just 44 matches.

The Prime Minister commended Bumrah, humorously suggesting that legislation might be necessary to protect Australian batters from the Indian bowler's formidable skills. 

"We could enact a law that requires him to bowl left-handed or from one step. Every time he bowls, it has been incredibly thrilling," Albanese remarked during his discussion with the players, alluding to Bumrah's impact.

Additionally, he highlighted the performance of young Australian batter Sam Konstas, who made his debut at the Melbourne Cricket Ground last week. Konstas scored 60 runs off 65 balls in his first innings, featuring six fours and two sixes. His aggressive approach against Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj captured the attention of the cricketing community.

Albanese took some credit for Konstas's rise to prominence, noting that he had impressed selectors during India's warm-up match against the Prime Minister's XI, where he scored a century.

“Certainly, he made his mark in the Prime Minister’s XI match,” Albanese stated. “I’m taking some credit for that, which is about my only contribution to national cricket," he added.

Australia is a challenging destination for touring, according to Gautam Gambhir

India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, who has not participated in any press conferences during this tour, recently spoke to reporters regarding the challenges of playing in Australia and reflected on the previous Tests held at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

“Australia is a wonderful country to visit, yet it presents significant challenges for touring teams,” Gambhir remarked. “The crowds have been truly remarkable. We have one more Test match ahead, and we hope to provide entertainment for the spectators.”

Conversely, Australian captain Pat Cummins is determined to secure the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a decade-long wait.

“The past week in Melbourne ranks among the finest Test matches I have ever been a part of,” Cummins stated. “Throughout the five days, I witnessed an experience unlike any other. I am eagerly anticipating this week; it is a decisive match and our opportunity to clinch the series. I can hardly contain my excitement,” he concluded.

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