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I write this piece with mixed feelings. I am still not very sure if going ahead with the test series is a good idea. First of all the sheer amount of security provided to cover just the players and the stadium(5000 is the number I am told) is mind boggling. Would that have an effect on the players’ psyche? A lot has been said about the English players and their mental state in the aftermath of the terror attacks but surprisingly little has been written about the Indian players. After all the terror attack took place in their country, and in the case of Sachin Tendulkar, in his city. Like us, the Indian players too would be hurt, confused, angry, scared and cricket might not be high on their list. Also, would the extra security discourage people from coming out to watch the game, given that Ind vs Aus did not attract many people as it is. Or would they come out in huge numbers to show their solidarity(the new buzzword). I guess we will know tomorrow.
Secondly, the BCCI has done it again. It has picked out a venue where the weather could end up playing an important part. The track at Chennai is flat as it is. Losing a few hours to rain would not be ideal, to put it mildly.
On to the cricketing stuff now. India are clear favourites to win the series, weather permitting. The opening pair is looking solid. The middle order looks good. Yuvraj and Rahul have a point to prove and I bet they will come good. Anil will be missed very much but Bhajji, Mishra and Ojha will be quiet a handful for England. And the pace attack has never looked better. The English test team is definitely better than their ODI team, but they still have a lot to sort out before they lay claim to the series.
Ah, who knows! Maybe a couple of fantastic games is what is needed to lift the gloom of the past few days. Now that the game is on, let’s get on with it people!
I dont know how about how Yuvraj will cope but RD certainly has his backs to the Wall …
But I dont like the crap going around that he isnt good enough…
I hope he returns with some good score.
[Reply]
Tarun
10 Dec 08 at 9:01 am
I for sure believe that Rahul would be back to the runs with this series.
Chepauk has been a very good venue for Viru and Sachin!!
it might not be a good time 2 play cricket, but on the other hand it might also cheer ppl out of the gloom!!
[Reply]
Sam
10 Dec 08 at 9:49 am
in the back of mind you dont want the anger to go away you wanna keep on this hrty feeling…
but on cricket…the same empty stadium…same patta wicket and same lethargy on field and you know things are as normal as before…
i was bit apprehensive too megha…but you know sports has god gifted healing touch which nothing can match on earth…
[Reply]
Straight Point
10 Dec 08 at 10:58 pm
I'm sure cricket would apply some balm on the wounds. Irrespective of win or defeat, KP & Co grew in stature by first deciding to defy terror and returning to India and then by donating half the match fees for the Mumbai victims. Take a bow, sirs.
[Reply]
Som
10 Dec 08 at 11:22 pm
Megha,
I write on this blog called All Padded Up, and i am adding your blog to my blog roll because i like your blog.
My page’s URL is http://www.allpaddedup.com .
Please visit it, and add it to your blog roll, if you like it!
[Reply]
ankit
12 Dec 08 at 8:23 pm
We won and how.Good cricket all around. Must congratulate both teams for providing an excellent match.
[Reply]
scorpicity
15 Dec 08 at 8:34 am
Apologies to all for the delay in responding back. I was on my way to India.
@Tarun
Welcome to the blog. Being a huge fan of RD myself, it really hurts to see these kind of comments. But if his slump continues I don’t know how much longer we can justify him being in the team with guys like Pujara waiting in the wings. I hope Dravid is not remembered as someone who had to be pushed out of the team. If he has to go, I hope it is on his terms. He deserves it.
[Reply]
Megha
15 Dec 08 at 11:37 am
@Sam
Both Viru and Sachin had a blast in Chennai and boy! what a win it was. Can’t believe this was the same country that lost that test to Pak by 13-odd runs when Sachin got out. I love this new found belief that our team has
[Reply]
Megha
15 Dec 08 at 11:39 am
@SP, @Som
This anger, this hurt that we feel, we should take care not vent it out at all. Otherwise the fire will die away. We should let it simmer inside coz only then we will never cease to demand answers.
England made a wonderful gesture by coming back, and donating half their match fee to the victims(sorry, I don’t want to believe in the whole IPL conspiracy theory). I salute them. The fans have responded by coming to the stadium in decent numbers and the teams provided us with 5 fantastic days of cricket. Even the weather gods smiled for once
Good stuff!
[Reply]
Megha
15 Dec 08 at 11:51 am
@Ankit
Welcome and thank you for your appreciation. I am adding you as well.
[Reply]
Megha
15 Dec 08 at 11:53 am
@Scorpicity
True. A truly absorbing contest but Viru single handedly took the game away from the Poms. Something for me to gloat about when I go back to UK
[Reply]
Megha
15 Dec 08 at 11:59 am