You’ve beaten us in both Men’s & Women’s Cricket,’ Australia leader jokes with Jaishankar
In a lighthearted moment during a meeting between two of the world’s most prominent diplomats, Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong jokingly acknowledged India’s recent dominance in cricket, saying “You’ve beaten us in both Men’s and Women’s Cricket.” This remark was made during her meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar. The comment highlights the strong sporting rivalry between the two nations, as well as the camaraderie and mutual respect that exists between their leaders.
The meeting between Wong and Jaishankar is significant, not just because of the cricketing banter, but also due to the frequent interactions between the two ministers. According to Wong, Jaishankar is the minister she has met most in her current role, underscoring the importance of the relationship between Australia and India. The frequency of their meetings reflects the growing strategic partnership between the two countries, which encompasses a wide range of areas, including trade, defense, education, and culture.
The timing of Wong’s comment is particularly noteworthy, given India’s recent cricketing successes against Australia. In October, the Indian women’s cricket team defeated Australia in the semifinal of the 2025 Women’s World Cup, a significant upset that showcased the growing competitiveness of women’s cricket in India. More recently, in November, the Indian Men’s team won a T20I series against Australia, further solidifying India’s position as a cricketing powerhouse.
Wong’s joke about being beaten in both Men’s and Women’s Cricket is a testament to the sporting spirit and goodwill that exists between the two nations. It also highlights the importance of cricket as a shared cultural interest that can help bridge diplomatic gaps and foster people-to-people connections. The remark has been well-received, with many seeing it as a positive example of how sports can bring nations together, even as they compete on the field.
The meeting between Wong and Jaishankar comes at a time when Australia and India are seeking to deepen their bilateral ties, particularly in the areas of trade and defense. The two countries have been engaged in discussions to strengthen their economic partnership, with a focus on promoting mutual investment and enhancing cooperation in key sectors such as education, innovation, and renewable energy.
In addition to their economic partnership, Australia and India have also been working closely on regional security issues, including counter-terrorism and maritime security. The two countries have participated in several joint military exercises and have engaged in regular strategic dialogues to address common security concerns.
The strong personal rapport between Wong and Jaishankar has been instrumental in driving the Australia-India relationship forward. Their frequent meetings and open communication have helped to build trust and understanding between the two nations, paving the way for greater cooperation on a range of issues.
In conclusion, the joke made by Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong about India’s cricketing successes is a lighthearted moment that reflects the strong sporting rivalry and camaraderie between the two nations. The meeting between Wong and Jaishankar highlights the growing strategic partnership between Australia and India, which is built on a foundation of mutual respect, trust, and cooperation. As the two countries continue to deepen their bilateral ties, it is likely that we will see more moments of humor and goodwill, both on and off the cricket field.
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