Australia Prime Minister Tony Abbott reveals he was good with ‘sledging’

“I couldn’t bat, I couldn’t bowl, I couldn’t field, but I could sledge,” said Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, who by his own admission showed enough expertise in ‘sledging’ to hold his place in the Oxford University team, during his student days.

“I think I held my place in the team on this basis [sledging], and I promise there’ll be none of that today,” added Abbott in jest during the ‘High Tea’ hosted for India and Australia cricket teams, at the Kirribilli House. The ongoing Test series between the two teams has already witnessed some intense moments with both teams getting involved in ugly verbal spats.

Australia reclaimed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne ended in draw but Australian captain Steve Smith was criticised for his late declaration on the fifth day as the hosts lost the opportunity to win another Test. Abbott defended Smith as he said, “When I told people last night that I was lucky enough to be hosting the Australian and the Indian cricket teams here today, the only question that they assailed me with was `What did you think of the declaration?’

My initial thought was it was none of my business. My further thought was that Steven Smith did absolutely his duty, because it is his duty to put Australia in the strongest possible position because, as India’s batsmen have repeatedly demonstrated this summer, you can never take India for granted.”

The final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy starts on Tuesday and it will be a fresh beginning for Team India under their new captain Virat Kohli.