Sydney, Jan 3 (ANI): Prime Minister Kevin Rudd welcomed the Pakistani and Australian team for a lunch at the Kirribilli House ahead of the Test match at the Sydney Cricket Ground, and asked jokingly for the birth certificate of Pak teen sensation Mohammad Aamer after his five wicket haul against Australia.

The Prime Minister took the unusual step of welcoming an international side inside his Sydney home for the first time in recent memory.

Rudd’s wife Therese Rein and son Nick were there to meet and mix with players, partners and families from both teams.

Rudd endeared himself to his guests with a humorous address as rain drenched the harbour-side property, even threatening the Sydney Test on Sunday.

“At the time of the New Year’s Test (each year) we’ve decided to have a prime ministerial reception for the visiting Test team and you’re candidate No.1 one, Pakistan,” The Sydney Morning Heralf quoted Rudd, as saying.

“It’s part of our desire as the Government of the country to make you feel genuinely and officially welcome,” he said.

The Prime Minister said he had requested an official attestation of 17-year-old pace bowler Mohammad Aamer’s birth certificate after he took five wickets in the second innings of the Boxing Day Test. “If you are (legitimately 17 years of age), then why aren’t you still at school?” Rudd joked.

He then welcomed Ponting, the Australian captain, to the stage.

Ponting spoke glowingly of the Pakistani team before joking that, if the rain held up, the SCG wicket would resemble the lush, green lawns of the Kirribilli House. (ANI)