You’ve beaten us in both Men’s & Women’s Cricket,’ Australia leader jokes with Jaishankar
The world of cricket is known for its fierce competitions and intense rivalries, but it’s not every day that we see political leaders engaging in light-hearted banter over the sport. Recently, Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong met with India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and their conversation took a humorous turn when Wong joked about India’s dominance in cricket.
According to reports, Wong quipped, “You’ve beaten us in both Men’s and Women’s Cricket,” during her meeting with Jaishankar. The comment was made in reference to India’s recent victories over Australia in both men’s and women’s cricket. The Indian women’s cricket team defeated Australia in the 2025 Women’s World Cup semifinal in October, while the men’s team won the T20I series against Australia in November.
Wong’s comment was not only a display of her sense of humor but also a testament to the strong sporting ties between India and Australia. The two countries have a long history of competing against each other in various sports, including cricket, and their rivalry is often intense and closely watched.
Interestingly, Wong revealed that Jaishankar is the minister she has met most in her current role. This suggests that the two countries have been engaging in frequent diplomatic discussions, and their relationship is growing stronger with each passing day.
The meeting between Wong and Jaishankar is a significant development in the context of India-Australia relations. The two countries have been working to strengthen their bilateral ties, and their cooperation in areas such as trade, defense, and education has been increasing steadily.
In recent years, India and Australia have been engaging in regular diplomatic meetings, and their leaders have been exchanging visits to discuss issues of mutual interest. The two countries have also been working together on regional and global issues, including counter-terrorism, maritime security, and climate change.
The fact that Wong and Jaishankar were able to engage in light-hearted banter over cricket suggests that their relationship is built on a foundation of trust, respect, and friendship. It also highlights the importance of sports in bringing people together and fostering goodwill between nations.
Cricket, in particular, is a sport that is deeply ingrained in the cultures of both India and Australia. The two countries have a massive following for the game, and their teams have been competing against each other for decades. The recent victories of the Indian men’s and women’s teams over Australia have been celebrated widely in India, and they have helped to further strengthen the country’s passion for the game.
In conclusion, the joke made by Penny Wong during her meeting with S Jaishankar is a reflection of the strong sporting ties between India and Australia. It also highlights the growing friendship and cooperation between the two countries, which is built on a foundation of mutual respect and trust. As the two nations continue to engage in diplomatic discussions and cooperate on regional and global issues, their relationship is likely to grow stronger with each passing day.