Ode to Indian cricket

Been new and inexperienced wrt to this whole blogging malarkey, I'll try to make my first foray into the blogosphere as succinct and pain-free (to any readers that may be lurking) as possible. Perhaps later, when I feel a little less inhibited, I might choose to get a little adventurous and branch out a bit more. For now however I'll play it safe and begin with something simple (apologies to non-cricket lovers!) - a reflection on why I find cricket played by the Indian masters such a joy to watch.

I've always considered myself something of a cricket aficionado. I'm not ashamed to admit that I've happily whiled away long hours watching cricket, reading mundane details about cricketers and devouring the endless statistics that are thrown up (all very nerdy pursuits). It seems most people these days have little or no interest in cricket or more to the point, 'test cricket'. They may deign to watch the odd one day game or 20-20 game but as for test cricket - they wouldn't be caught dead watching it. And trying to convey to non-cricket lovers why cricket is such a wonderful game is nigh on impossible. I'd have a better chance of trying to sell them insurance.

I'm ashamed to say that in recent times I've become less inclined towards the game. My interest in cricket has slowly begun to wane. The reason? Ever so simple: a totally dominant Australia and the sheer inability of every other cricketing nation to challenge this dominance. There was an instant in 2005 when England challenged Australia's supremacy and transported viewers into hereunto paroxysms of excitement as they witnessed a series going down to the wire. Unfortunately it proved to be an all too brief moment, a tantalizing glimpse of what could be, but sadly destined never to be repeated. Ever since then I've expectantly awaited the commencement of each new cricket season, hopeful of a contest eventuating, only to have my hopes cruelly dashed as the Australian machine inexorably rolled onto yet another 5-nil whitewash.

Last week I again rediscovered why I love cricket. I went to the days 2 and 3 of the 2nd cricket test between India and Australia. For a cricket fan like myself, yearning for a contest, I couldn't have chosen two better days to go. I was privileged to watch two of the more sublime and masterful innings in recent memory and they weren't from Australia! I'll ascribe the term sublime to V.V.S. Laxman innings of 109 on day 2 because that's what it was. His cover driving through the off side was majestic, demonstrating a technique that few could fault when he was in full swing. His plundering of 18 runs off a Mitchell Johnson over was a particular highlight. And Sachin Tendulkar's innings of 154 not out on the 3rd day was masterful. In what is likely to be the 'little master's' final visit to Australia he showcased why he is regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in history. His innings was flawless. It's difficult to remember Tendulkar giving one chance during his whole innings and, most importantly, he batted with the tail and ensured that India was able to build up a small but crucial lead over Australia. The moment he scored his century was a special moment. The entire crowd of 30000 people stood up as one and gave him a sustained round of applause, an applause that reached a further crucendo when Tendulkar showed the raw emotion of how much he valued this century. I doubt few people at the SCG would have begrudged him the century.

History will show that Australia was to win this test 2 days later amid controversy, most notably a racial slur and dodgy umpiring (yet another emphatic series win to Australia). However I'll choose to dwell on the passages of play I saw firsthand, where for a short time there was parity on the field between the two sides.