Pune: The cricketing rivalry between India and Australia spilled over to the Aundh Military Station on Wednesday, over a week before the real willow war starts Down Under. Soldiers from both nations played a friendly cricket match during a break from their joint military exercise — Austrahind III — being conducted at the station. Their "combative" spirit was evident during the "fiercely fought" tie.
The Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) will tee off with the first Test in Perth from Nov 22. The Australian soldiers are in Pune to practice and share best military practices, fostering bonds and camaraderie for their future collaboration under a UN mandate. Australia's contingent commander, Brigadier Amanda Williamson, emphasised the friendly rivalry during the opening ceremony.
"Australians and Indians are always great friends until we start talking about cricket. We share a deep love for the game. I am pleased to see that our programme includes many opportunities to discuss and play cricket, and I look forward to watching that competition on the pitch during the exercise," she said.
After completing the morning drills during the joint military exercise on Wednesday, teams from both nations played the cricket match on the PT ground, where a temporary pitch was laid. The grass was trimmed for an optimal playing surface. The match was a 10-over-a-side game played with Cosco light balls.
Five officers from each side comprised the teams. Full contingents from both nations cheered the.