Cerebral Shangrila

Thursday, March 09, 2006

Aussie PM - Tour with a difference

What to do foreign Prime Ministers/ Presidents visiting India, do ? After the usual political meetings in delhi, its either a trip to Bangalore / Hyderabad ( to visit a Infosys / Wipro , though Bush did a ISB this time) or CII/FICCI meet at Mumbai or of course see the ever beautiful Taj at Agra.

The aussies are different. Their love of sports shows through. The visiting Aussie PM, John Howard visited the MRF Pace foundation which highlighted his passion for cricket ( Well no comments about the Uranium issue yet ).

The Hindu reports , " Australian Prime Minister John Howard's visit to the MRF Pace Foundation on Wednesday afternoon highlighted his passion for cricket, his vibrant personality and his unmistakable sense of humour.

After a detailed look at the facilities — gymnasium, swimming pool and practice wickets — of the Foundation located in the Madras Christian College School premises, Mr. Howard remarked in a lighter vein that he viewed with ``mixed feelings and some trepidation" India's efforts to match the Australians in pace bowling. He quickly added that Australia would be equal to the task!

Mr. Howard dwelt on the common and binding love for the game in both countries, acknowledged the efforts of Australian pace legend Dennis Lillee at the Foundation and wished the Indian team "best of luck" in the Mohali Test against the Englishmen.He said he was at the United Nations in New York last year when England regained the Ashes. "President Pervez Musharraf told me then that Pakistan would avenge the Aussies when England toured Pakistan. He kept his word." Mr. Howard hoped India would defeat England. "If India too beats England it will do good for its relations with Pakistan,'' he said amidst laughter.

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