Ambassador to the US Kevin Rudd has been holidaying at home in Queensland just weeks before Donald Trump resumes the US presidency for what looms as a turbulent four years in global affairs.

Dr Rudd has literally been putting his feet up – rubber Crocs and all – in front of the TV watching Australia’s Test cricket success against India, according to social media posts to the 1.5 million followers of his personal X account and then reposted by his official ambassadorial account.