Anthony Albanese was interviewed at the Boxing Day Test on live television where he was asked about a range of topics from Australian cricket player David Warner, to former prime minister Bob Hawke before trying a stint in the commentary box alongside a legend of the sport.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has joked about his “lack of talent” in cricket, which stopped him from pursuing a professional career in the sport.
He was seated among other guests at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Tuesday to watch Australia take on South Africa on the second day of the Boxing Day Test.
Mr Albanese, 59, looked relaxed wearing a blue shirt, with a maroon tie and Akubra hat as he enjoyed some down time from politics with his girlfriend Jodie Haydon after a busy seven months locally and overseas following his historic election win.
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I chatted with @Mel_Mclaughlin from the Boxing Day Test at the MCG – great that Dave Warner has passed 50 in his 100th test ðŸ pic.twitter.com/LHQSekgPeI
Seven News sports host Mel McLaughlin probed the Labor leader about his love for the sport as he watched Australian star David Warner pass 50 runs.
“Were you any good as a cricketer?” she asked Mr Albanese.
He insisted he was “really good at catching”, making him the perfect slip fielder, but it was what he described as a “lack of talent” that stopped him from playing.
“I wasn’t a good enough batsman or a good enough bowler,” the Prime Minister said.
“But I did enjoy having a hit and it was great watching my son play. He played junior cricket for Summer Hill and it was a great way to spend Saturday mornings.”
He also praised Warner for being “such a great player” and entertainer.
The chat then turned to former prime minister Bob Hawke, who Mr Albanese has drawn inspiration from throughout his career in politics.
McLaughlin mentioned the Bob Hawke Beer and Leisure Centre, located in Sydney’s Marrickville, where there is a memorial for the ex-Labor leader and his beer is brewed.
“Hawkey was there the day he skulled that beer, he was quite proud of it,” he said, ahead of his trip to Queensland’s Woodford Folk Festival on Wednesday to give the annual Bob Hawke memorial lecture in his honour.
“He did that a few times after that. He was a great bloke.”
Mr Albanese was then asked about his favourite Aussie band.
“I go to see the (Midnight) Oils… last concert just a couple of months ago. Boy and Bear will be playing tonight and that will be a good occasion at Woodford,” he replied.
He later did a short stint in the commentary box alongside former Australian cricket captain and record-breaking wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist.
South Africa’s Marco Jansen bowled to Steve Smith, with the ball nicking the Aussie’s glove and seconds later dropped by a diving Kyle Verreynne.
“You would have got that, Gilly,” Mr Albanese said in the booth.
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