Bollywood veteran Amitabh Bachchan yesterday made his debut as a cricket commentator in the high-voltage match between India and Pakistan in the World Cup Cricket match at Adelaide, Australia

Bachchan, 72, joined the likes of former Indian cricketers Rahul Dravid, Kapil Dev and Arun Lal and ace commentator Harsha Bhogle in the commentary box.  

The credit for the idea of presenting Bachchan in this new role goes to filmmaker R Balki who has directed the actor in films like 'Cheeni Kum', 'Paa' and 'Shamitabh.''

Before entering the commentary box, Bachchan had been practicing for the opening match of the two countries.  

Bachchan's impressive debut in a new role as a cricket commentator earned him plaudits from several Bollywood stars.

While it is quite common to see film stars in Indian subcontinent going to the stadium to watch cricket matches, this is the first time an actor has commentated.

Bachchan started his stint with the airwave with former India cricket captain Kapil Dev and ex-Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar in the pre-match show.

He then made his way into the commentary box with Akash Chopra, another former Indian cricketer, and Akhtar.  

Trying to get his field placements right and making sharp comments about opener Shikhar Dhawan's technique against the short ball, Bachchan seemed to pick up the ropes of commentary pretty quickly.

Kapil soon joined the Bollywood legend in the box and the Haryana hurricane egged on the actor to keep up the good work.

Bachchan discussed with other Indian commentators India's winning moments in the World Cup.

Sitting in the Hindi commentary box for the first half-hour of the match, Bachchan not only saw a six from the bat of Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan but was also witness to fall of Rohit Sharma's wicket in the eighth over off Sohail Khan.

Amitabh, who seemed to have enjoyed his first-ever commentary stint, was ironically rejected for his baritone by All India Radio (AIR) in late 1960s before he became an actor.

Like any superstitious sportsman, Bachchan also revealed that India seldom won a game with him watching. The veteran actor thanked the experts and the fans for providing him a unique opportunity.

"Thank you for having me here. It was a unique opportunity for me and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Hope India wins," Amitabh (who spoke in Hindi) signed off.