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All 'out' in the game
COVER DRIVE: A dog having a field day at LB stadium.
``SACHIN IS not playing, isn't it?...You mean even Sehwag is not coming too!'' was the disbelieving reaction of a young cricket fan on Saturday. But, that hasn't stopped the mad rush for tickets er... passes to get into Lal Bahadur stadium. Lush green ground, floodlights overhead and colourful crowds... it was a grand sight and made one wonder about the transformation in an otherwise ordinary setting.
Gone were the ugly temporary structures and the old edifice was looking unusually bright as the Indian and Zimbabwean players had their work-outs. The excitement of watching an international match after a considerable gap following a rap by the ICC was palpable. ``It's true watching the game on TV is comfortable, but this's an opportunity to watch the cricketers live in action,'' say two collegians, who had come from Tandur. Unfortunately, they, too, were caught in the predicament. "Do you know where can we get tickets?'' Alas, for them and for many others it was the same story. A sell-out, it was said.
With hard lessons learnt, the organisers wisely ensured they did not jampack the venue. Cricket might be ennui for some, certainly not for the fans inside and those atop the adjoining high-rises. Fielding drills were greeted with roars as the stars were being identified by the filling crowds.
Minutes before the toss, a stray dog had a leisurely stroll on the ground and even found time to squat before running away. And to think even a rat cannot enter bypassing the swarming policemen!Adrenalin gets pumped up in a live match and getting involved with the predominantly rambunctious crowd too. Players should be real monk like to shut of the din all round. Each single run was greeted, standing, as if a boundary was scored and when each hit was stopped. Imagine the noise when the ball crossed the boundary. Particular highlight was the Hyderabad's Mexican wave done in perfect synchrony.
Running `expert' commentary from the fans around, chants, slogans et al are all part of the game. Some young fans couldn't stop giving their insight into the sport to their aunts and uncles. "See aunty... that's Andy Flower, this's Grant Flower.
VANTAGE POINT: Crowds couldn't have asked for more.
Now, this is Zaheer Khan bowling... Laxman is going to play well on his home ground...'' That went on till the end. Pitfalls on watching the game `live' is the lack of the replays. You move your gaze away from play and if a wicket falls or a boundary scored... that's it, you only have to watch high-fives. Energetic numbers on sound boxes was a novelty, sure and enjoyable too, but it could have been used to announce the scores as well!
A ramshackled scoreboard visible only through lens was an eyesore and if the applause was not deafening for a 50 scored that's because none in the stands was aware of individual scores. If bottles were not allowed for the danger of being used as missiles water sachets proved handy to scare a few Zimbabwean players! From water to food, the prices were outrageous. Yet, sitting tight for hours, excitement in phases and muggy weather were all worth the effort as Yuveraj Singh ensured everybody went home with a heady feeling.
By V. Geetanath
Photos: K. Ramesh Babu
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Life
Bangalore
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