You’ve beaten us in both Men’s & Women’s Cricket,’ Australia leader jokes with Jaishankar
In a lighthearted moment during a recent meeting, Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong jokingly acknowledged India’s 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 Australian Foreign Minister’s comment comes after India’s impressive victories in both men’s and women’s cricket against Australia.
Penny Wong, who has been in her current role for some time now, revealed that S Jaishankar is the minister she has met most frequently. This highlights the strong diplomatic ties between India and Australia, with the two nations engaging in regular discussions on various issues. The meeting between Wong and Jaishankar is a testament to the growing relationship between the two countries, with cricket being a common interest that transcends diplomatic boundaries.
The Indian women’s cricket team made headlines in October when they defeated Australia in the semifinal of the 2025 Women’s World Cup. This victory was a significant milestone for Indian women’s cricket, and it marked a turning point in the team’s campaign. The team’s success has been widely celebrated in India, and it has inspired a new generation of young girls to take up the sport.
Similarly, the Indian men’s cricket team has been performing exceptionally well, with a recent T20I series win against Australia in November. This series was closely contested, with both teams displaying exceptional skill and determination. India’s victory in the series was a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication, and it has further solidified India’s position as a cricketing powerhouse.
Penny Wong’s comment about India’s cricketing prowess is a reflection of the respect and admiration that Australian cricket fans have for the Indian team. The two nations have a long and storied history of competing against each other in cricket, with some of the most memorable matches played between them. The rivalry between India and Australia is one of the most intense and closely followed in international cricket, with fans from both countries eagerly anticipating each new series.
The meeting between Penny Wong and S Jaishankar is also significant because it highlights the importance of sports diplomacy in international relations. Cricket, in particular, has played a significant role in fostering people-to-people connections between India and Australia. The sport has a massive following in both countries, and it has helped to bridge cultural and geographical divides.
In recent years, India and Australia have been working to strengthen their bilateral ties, with a focus on trade, defense, and education. The two nations have also been collaborating on various regional and global issues, including counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, and climate change. The meeting between Wong and Jaishankar is a reflection of the growing cooperation between India and Australia, and it highlights the importance of regular dialogue and engagement between the two nations.
As the India-Australia relationship continues to evolve, it is likely that cricket will remain a key aspect of the bilateral ties between the two nations. The sport has a unique ability to bring people together, and it has the power to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers. As Penny Wong’s comment suggests, India’s cricketing prowess is widely recognized and respected, and it will likely continue to be a source of pride and inspiration for fans in both countries.
In conclusion, the meeting between Penny Wong and S Jaishankar is a reflection of the strong diplomatic ties between India and Australia. The Australian Foreign Minister’s comment about India’s cricketing dominance is a lighthearted acknowledgment of the country’s impressive victories in both men’s and women’s cricket. As the India-Australia relationship continues to grow and evolve, it is likely that cricket will remain a key aspect of the bilateral ties between the two nations.