Australia, Kiwi PMs ready for 2015 cricket world cup

Melbourne, Jan.28 (ANI): Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and her New Zealand counterpart John Key on Saturday said that they were on the same platform in promoting the International Cricket Council (ICC) 2015 Cricket World Cup that is to be held in their countries.

"Coming out of 2011, as John well knows, there's been some moments when we would've wished that things went differently, whether it was on the cricket field or during the rugby world cup," Gillard mused, during an event in Melbourne.

The Age further quoted her, as saying: "But I'm sure we can leave all of that behind us and say today that we are very pleased and proud to work together to deliver the world cricket cup."

The cup, the fourth biggest world event, will have 14 countries competing and a potential television audience of 953 million.

It is also a chance for both countries to promote themselves as world class destinations for business, trade and tourism.

The prime ministers met with the event's local organising committee, with the finer details, including where the final should be held, yet to be nutted out.

"I'm going to say Australia," Ms Gillard laughed, while Mr Key said: "We would definitely say New Zealand, but recognising the size of the facilities here in Australia, I'd be very surprised if the final wasn't held in Australia."

Key, in Australia for annual bilateral talks between the countries, said the competition would come at a significant time for the two countries.

"2015 will be the commemoration of 100 years since Gallipoli, the Anzac spirit I'm sure will be very much alive as we co-host that event," he said.

Gillard and Key each received specially produced ICC Cricket World Cup bats signed by the Australian and New Zealand cricket team captains, Michael Clarke and Ross Taylor.

After playful jousting from the leaders for the cameras, Gillard accidentally tapped her partner Tim Mathieson with her bat as they exited. (ANI)