Cricket legend Ravi Shastri’s incredible moment on live TV sends fans wild before the India vs Australia Test had even started

The much-awaited Test series between India and Australia got off to an incredible start before a ball was even bowled on Friday thanks to a standout performance from the legendary Ravi Shastri.

Australian skipper Pat Cummins, his counterpart Jasprit Bumrah and icons of the game Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar gathered with the match official in the middle for the toss, with cricket stalwarts waiting with bated breath to see which side would bat first.

But Shastri – who provides commentary for Fox Sports – completely stole the show with a highly energetic performance as he introduced the lead actors with a theatrical flourish that had commentators online singing his praises.

The 62-year-old former Indian skipper turned up the volume so high he almost didn’t need a microphone as he launched into his speech to what seemed a very disappointing crowd at Optus Stadium.

“We are in Western Australia, it is the beautiful Perth Stadium and the venue for the first Test match in the Border Gavaskar Trophy,” he began.

“Speaking of Border, Gavaskar – two champions in the middle, Allan Border, Sunny Gavaskar himself – only fitting,” he boomed, pointing to the men the series is named after.

Indian legend Shastri (pictured center with fellow commentators Brett Lee, left, and David Warner) gave an over-the-top performance at the toss that got cricket fans excited

‘We’re ready for the toss – Pat Cummins, Jasprit Bumrah, Ranjan Madugalle the match referee, tried and tested!’ he continued, saving his best efforts for the least known of those gathered beside the wicket.

Shastri then took it down a few notches when he interviewed the captains after India won the toss and decided to bat.

The electric opening of the cricket summer was popular with viewers.

“I want Ravi Shastri to announce all my important life events,” someone wrote on X.

“Someone is taking the toss energy of Ravi Shastri and injecting it into my veins,” another added.

“I think it’s not just the broadcasters, but pretty much anyone who watched it would have been left feeling divided. Typical Ravi Shastri fun,” said another.

Others picked up on his over-the-top energy, writing, “Ravi Shastri is MCing like he’s had six coffees and four Red Bulls,” “Ravi Shastri is crazy,” and “India must be here because Ravi Shastri is yelling at me . again’.

A new look India is releasing two debutants – all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy and speedy Harshit Rana – for the match in Perth.

Viewers who saw Shastri’s theatrical flourish on Fox Sports were amazed

The former Indian captain almost didn’t need a microphone as he introduced the legends and skippers on Friday – but he saved his best for the match referee

“We are confident in the preparation we have had, so we will get to work,” Bumrah said.

“Usually you don’t have time to prepare, and the WACA (Ground) is quite similar, the resilience is there.”

But the tourists confirmed the shock selection calls by dropping star all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Ravi Ashwin.

Jadeja is coming off a 10-wicket haul in India’s last Test and has tormented Australia in the past.

In the final battle for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India last year, Jadeja and Ashwin were crowned joint player of the series as they turned their team to victory in the first two Tests to complete the 2-1 victory.

Rohit Sharma will miss the first Test after staying in India for the birth of his second child, replaced as captain by Bumrah.

The experienced opener is expected to arrive in Australia soon and will be available for the second Test in Adelaide.

Young star Shubman Gill is also absent after injuring his thumb during training.

Veteran paceman Mohammed Shami is still building his fitness in India after a serious ankle injury, but he could be called upon later in the series.

While there have been many changes in India, debutant Nathan McSweeney is Australia’s only change from their previous Test in March.

Former Australian coach Darren Lehmann presented McSweeney, who replaces injured all-rounder Cameron Green, with his first Test cap.

McSweeney becomes Australia’s 467th Test cricketer, and the first since left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann made his India debut in February 2023.

The 25-year-old Queenslander, who currently captains South Australia, will open the batting with Usman Khawaja despite never having done so at Sheffield Shield level.

AUSTRALIA: Nathan McSweeney, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

INDIA: KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah (captain), Mohammed Siraj.