I was down at the Junction Oval watching Dada and Dravid get some match practice. Sachin was unlucky to play on especially since he was looking to send a message prior to Boxing Day. The day was overcast which in turn helped the Victorian seamers keep the batsman honest. There wasn't much bounce and its likely to get lower and slower over the next two days. Not a great preparation for Boxing Day.
The most significant thing however was not the cricket. It was the energy emanating from the Indians on and off the field. For readers back in India, the Junction Oval is a small but open ground. The players' aisles are very approachable and one can follow the team in and out of the center. Everyone at the ground felt that this Indian contingent have come Down Under with a will to succeed. The nervous energy is almost tangible around the group. Even the senior pros look eager, ready yet conscious of the task at hand. Last time when Dravid was here at the same Oval playing a practice match before the World XI vs Australia series, the World XI team looked almost insipid. It didn't look like a team at all. There was no perceptible intent. This time around, as Dravid walked back with David Hussey exchanging pleasantries, everyone could see the steely look in his eyes as if to say - 'Fasten your seat belts, we mean business' !!
Down by the makeshift commentary box, Wasim Akram was out for a smoke before the rain gods interrupted. Signing autographs, he was his usual charming self. He was kind enough to answer my question, "Wasim Bhai, do you think India's got a chance?"; I let the question trail. He replied almost candidly, "A chance, for sure!!". Couldn't get anything more out of the great bowler, but he definitely left me with a lot of positive energy.
The Indian team will need all the positive energy they can find but for their part, they seem ready and raring to go. Good luck India
The most significant thing however was not the cricket. It was the energy emanating from the Indians on and off the field. For readers back in India, the Junction Oval is a small but open ground. The players' aisles are very approachable and one can follow the team in and out of the center. Everyone at the ground felt that this Indian contingent have come Down Under with a will to succeed. The nervous energy is almost tangible around the group. Even the senior pros look eager, ready yet conscious of the task at hand. Last time when Dravid was here at the same Oval playing a practice match before the World XI vs Australia series, the World XI team looked almost insipid. It didn't look like a team at all. There was no perceptible intent. This time around, as Dravid walked back with David Hussey exchanging pleasantries, everyone could see the steely look in his eyes as if to say - 'Fasten your seat belts, we mean business' !!
Down by the makeshift commentary box, Wasim Akram was out for a smoke before the rain gods interrupted. Signing autographs, he was his usual charming self. He was kind enough to answer my question, "Wasim Bhai, do you think India's got a chance?"; I let the question trail. He replied almost candidly, "A chance, for sure!!". Couldn't get anything more out of the great bowler, but he definitely left me with a lot of positive energy.
The Indian team will need all the positive energy they can find but for their part, they seem ready and raring to go. Good luck India
1 comment:
hope india does well
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