Her head turning towards Tendulkar, who is just one ton short of his 100th international century, Gillard said, “While Australians are barracking very hard for our cricket team, I think they are looking forward to what may be a very special 100 (from Tendulkar) in Australia some time during the course of this series.”

Gillard was speaking at her Sydney official residence Kirribilli House where she invited the two teams for a high tea.

She also posed with Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and other players.

Australian captain Michael Clarke, who also spoke, quipped, “I think Sachin Tendulkar is an amazing player. But we are hoping he scores his hundredth 100 in his next series, not against us.”