Virat Kohli, Ravi Shastri given honorary membership of Sydney Cricket Ground

India made history when they defeated the Kangaroos 2-1 in their own den. The Test series victory is the first one by any Asian Test playing nations’ cricketing history. Acknowledging the feat, the Sydney Cricket Ground(SCG) has stated that it commends India’s efforts to keep the Test cricket at the forefront of its priorities and bestowed the Indian skipper Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri with honorary membership of the SCG.

Former Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar and West Indian legend Brian Lara are the only two other non-Australian cricketers to receive the honour. 

"The SCG congratulates Team India for securing its first Test series win on Australian soil. It is wonderful to see the world's largest cricketing nation putting its focus firmly on Test cricket - a step that will reinforce the pre-eminence of Tests in the global cricketing landscape. Virat and Ravi have been at the forefront of that and Test cricket is well served having both placing such significance on the five-day format," SCG Chairman Tony Shepherd was quoted as saying on their official website. 

In reply, the Indian coach acknowledged the honour and stated that it was very humbling for him to get the honorary membership of the Ground. Shastri has been at the helm of the Indian cricket team since the unceremonial exit of Anil Kumble as the head coach of the Indian cricket team. 

"Great honour and very humbling to get the honorary life membership of the @scg along with @imVkohli #TeamIndia #AUSvIND."