Silly M(a)id-on

A comment on the previous post made me log on to my much neglected blog (Thanks Pratik!). So here I go again…taking a pledge to try and write a little more often for my sake if nothing else.

Back in May earlier this year, WC victory fresh in my mind, I decided I wanted to go watch a day or two of the upcoming Ind-Eng series in July. Looked up the respective websites for tix, only to realise I was a little late in my decision, and most days for most of the matches were all sold out already. My only feasible option was Day 4 of the Oval test match. And I thought – that’s not too bad. Day 4 of the final test. Who knows, with a little bit of luck I will probably end up watching India crush England and take the series 4-0..or 2-1..or whatever. You are free to laugh at me now, but admit it. No one, not even you, would have ever imagined India to be in the position it found itself on August 21st.

Cut to Day 4, 4th Test – India trying hard to stay alive in the Test and avoid a washout. Follow on is looming, hopes of watching Dravid and Tendulkar bat together gone too. Unless of course India start following on soon. The only thing to look forward to then is some good batting by Rahul Dravid. Ravi Shastri was loitering outside the stadium talking on his phone a few feet away from where I was standing with my group. He walked past with a “Enjoy the game, guys” comment. Yeah right. I told him as he walked away that the only hope here was a big innings by Dravid. He replied back, saying that if there was one person who looked up to this task in Team India, Dravid was it. And who am I to disagree with the “feelings” of Ravi!

So after watching the commentators as they went into the stadium (Wasim Akram – HOT!!), taking a tour of the ground, watching the players warm up at nets, and hounding a few of them for autographs as they returned to the pavillion (Sachin Tendulkar..woohoo!), I settled into my seat as the play started. The joy of what unfolded on that day then is something that not even the knowledge of imminent defeat could take away from me.

Here I present a few photographs taken that day at the stadium -

(ok, not really how I wanted the pics to be displayed..kindly bear while I try to fix this. For now, just click on the image to enlarge it and see my comments below the image

Update -Hmm, a little better now)

What's Kohli doing here??

He was the most serious about getting his batting right during the sessions, as is evident from the photo. But when I told him we were expecting him to dig in and score a 50 to save his team the blushes, he looked at me like I was a ghost or something!

The loudest applause, the most vocal appreciation of a shot well played, the most respect, for any Indian player, from the English is saved for this man.

Led to the field by their captain.

The Man walking in to save the day. Oh, and Dhoni too.

And we all rush back to our seats..and wait for the day's proceedings to begin..

At this point I realised that my camera’s battery was down to 1 bar out of 3. So I had to shut shop until it was The Moment. And hence, I only have Dravid’s pics here onwards…Also, the camera is now with a friend, as I would be busy cheering and clapping…

And here is where I got my money's worth..

Dravid raises his bat in acknowledgement to the standing ovation..

Yes Rahul, I know you knew the whole time where I was sitting

Rahul Dravid c Cook b Swann 159.