I recently came across one article, which talked about author’s encounter with College Basketball, well I had my college (university in India) basketball encounters in childhood and then school basketball and then again some engineering college basketball competitions. My first experience was All India inter-university basketball competition and I faintly recall I was 7-8 year old and at that time even fiberglass boards had arrived and matches were played in floodlit open arena. There was enthusiasm and excitement and that was it. I remember I knew the rules are somewhat different from what’s played in US and I would go there to watch, wearing a black colored t-shirt with Portland Blazers written on front with the logo as well.
Then came school basketball in 11-12th standard. And there were 2 aspects, one whole enthusiasm and cheering our own team against our rivals in inter public school meet. Second was to see girls playing and frankly I hardly remember anything about it but I remember people always being excited about watching girlies playing, though I guess watched the final, maybe I was more interested in game than any thing I should have been interesting in. The shy-introvert me. Welham’s boys beat the MNSS, Rai in the finals before beating our arch rivals DPS, Mathura Road and we supported Welham’s as Mathura Road had beaten us the dipsites from RK Puram and we were so glad that they didn’t disappoint us. I was totally awed by how the coach opened new strategies to counter the lanky guys and attack and defense.
Coming to NBA for a while - Defense .. defense .. defense .., the sheer cheer for home defense as Lebron James lead the Cavaliers, sounds new live from the sound that comes from TV sets, gives me goose bumps still as whole stadia stand up for defense.
Same sound was so erratic and shrill but evoked same feeling as we cheered our college team (weak by any standards and technique) and still managed to frustrate the opposite team, as if they also got carried away by the non-smoothness of defense cries and remarks coming from front benches and receive huge comments (abuses) laughters from us again. I sometimes wondered how players could control themselves against such fierce criticism. I’m learning now that goes as one of the chapters of Sports Psychology. Sometimes we used to win and most of the times on the losing side but we cheered.
Case was similar here as I was too flabbergasted to even cheer. I was more awed by Lebron James than getting onto the Bucks cheering bus. I was one of the few ones who had seen the next great, next Jordan, next air, next kid on the charts, next millionaire rookie and all the euphoria that surrounds the next great…. LIVE in Cleveland Cavaliers Red jersey as they played the purple Bucks.. the Milwaukee Bucks. I knew them through childhood by remembering the glass and the cap, which were their souvenirs.
I was relatively very new, less than 40 days old in land of milk and honey and had the chance of tasting what –11F (-27F with wind chill) means and I got the feeling of wind chill as well as I moved towards my uncle’s car from the Chicago Midway exit doors. The air felt cool and wet and refreshing, but I got the real feel when I had walked about 10 metres and entered the door and instead of listening to some nice welcome words, I heard why didn’t I wait as suddenly I felt chill engulfing me. Thanks to a new overcoat and woolen gloves and cap that I survived. The same overcoat made me survive the cold as we entered the Bradley Center for the game night.
Before reaching there, I was witnessing the snow filled expressway and whitish brown trees all the way. As we took an exit from I-94 to meet my other uncles and all cousins with a gas station as meeting point and then all followed together towards Bradley Center.
I had no clue what waited there. I was not excited, more confused as how it could get so cold ever and what lay ahead. As we came out of parking area, I felt the same chilly wind but hardly anything as we laughed our way into the arena. Whole flock of people from different sizes and shapes were entering the arena. I was absolutely in zombie state as sometime I was awed by the whole euphoria. I’m not sure what I did in that zombie state and I hope I did not let myself be sloppy than I am.
Through the gates after showing the pass I followed everyone more silently than ever as we moved up towards higher floors. I’m not sure if I even thought about I not getting to watch the game from the benches near the chairs. But I was facing more surprises as was entered into a suite room. I do not remember the suite number, but it belonged to my uncle and I came to know that this was something.
We welcomed the teams with claps as whole stadia became vociferous with rock kind of music cheering followed. This was it. I wanted to hear all this. The view from up there was not so close as I wanted it to be but I was great. But I was kind of disappointed by the slow game. I could not imagine how come this was so different from the game I watched in childhood between two universities. But then game clicked and reached its desired level. The baskets, 3-pointers, blocks, assists, blocks, turnovers all came alive as crowd also boomed as game flowed.
We were served with snacks and some drinks and some other food but I was more interested in the game. I heard more and more about phenomenon called Lebron James and I watched him more and more as he led cavaliers all the way. I was kind of feeling sorry sitting at bucks home but still awed by the new prodigy.
Quarters ended, half time came and time outs taken and I followed the cheerleaders and the fillers that came in between. The aerobics performed or the show was good. In between I got introduced to some known and mostly unknown faces. One of my uncle’s colleague took me by surprise, I’m not sure what picture she had of me, but I was taken by her to another suite and I had never been this bemused and by the time I could think of any thing about what might lay ahead, I was led by her into a room full of unknown faces. And just then she called her daughter (I’m not sure really) and got introduced to her (and I forgot her name as soon as she said that) and I don’t even remember how I introduced myself. Maybe they understood my perplexed state or they themselves were feeling at odds, and I was back to out suite as soon as possible. And just then I was taken out as we were supposed to go somewhere. This was getting totally confusing and I calmed myself down and then I understood we were going to Locker Rooms. I was not sure how interesting it could get. Whole of our group by led by a guide of the arena and we entered guest’s Locker Room as well Home team’s and we were more interested in guest’s as we saw the shoe stack of Lebron James and others. Shoe sizes were as huge as possible and their gowns said about their heights and sizes. I could imagine the coach giving few tips and players pumping themselves before the final show down. Going over their anthems with some sitting on the wooden benches, some standing over and laying back along the wooden stacks. Then the walkway which would lead them towards playing area and the same way where after winning they would come back all cheered up, exhausted and elated. Then we also managed to see the medical room attached to the Locker Room and I for the first time saw how advanced technology there was present in that same arena. It was more for physiotherapy massages as well as handling any muscle tears or even handling the first aid of bone fractures etc. There were some medical gadgetry and we moved further back to the game.
The pace and the heat notched up quite a bit in second half and was at its pick in final quarter. I’m damn sure Lebron must have kept everyone in awe but no one really appreciated the visitor’s but Lebron had everyone awestruck and had the attention and appreciation a few times as he took Cavaliers to different level all by him self. Bucks had more of team play but Cavaliers rode on sheer brilliance of Lebron. Final few minutes made contest really close but bucks missed the crucial 3-pointer as Cavaliers took final lead and with they putting in from the line even though home supporters had all distractions in store for them, it didn’t matter any more. This “shutting it off” thing hit me really as how players in that arena could shun tens of cameras, hundreds of lights, thousands of howls and cries of support or against and still manage to play as if outside world are fools and just make them mesmerize with skills. Cavaliers had the win as crowd started departing even before the clock was showing the final 24 on shot clock.
I was among few ones who were interested in the watching the arena till last team member moves towards the locker room so that I could soak it all in as I never knew if there is going to be second time or not. (Already I’m somewhat convinced that NBA threw this shy guy out !!). People watched a good decent scoring game and were not sad really. As everyone faced cool chill of late night and blew colder in the parking lot where it was frantic search for our car, made more to wait as one of relatives completely forgot how his car looked. Regular laughter in shivering cold made it more fun as we finally came out of arena and I having finished my first date with NBA with all cheering embedded in core.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Greatest blunder of 2006 FIFA World Cup
If it was Ronaldo of World Cup Final in 1998, the greatest blunder committed yet in this edition was unleashed in Quarterfinal match of Germany and Argentina. Creator was none other than Argentina's coach Pekerman.
How did he do that? Argentina leading 1-0 and with 62% possession and controlling the game and here he comes up with 2 substitutions - Cambiasso coming on for Riquelme and Cruz on for Crespo. The game changed with Germany henceforth dominating an eventually equalising and then losing on penalties, Cambiasso missing his penalty. Ok, let's excuse Cambiasso of this penalty miss, he did gave us the best goal of the tournament, may be in history of tournament. But why were these put on when only 18 minutes were left. And why for losing sake - Riquelme? He was back in control, dictating the game to Germans in German half. Was Riqueleme injured? No, so far no such reports have come out. Then why Cruz on for Crespo? What was Pekerman trying to do here, nothing but trying to give chances to Germans. Why not Messi or Saviola? How come Argentina got into defensive strategy when you know that Germans were giving more and more space at their backyard. Whatever it may be, tactical move or normal changeover, it was worst possible decision and nothing but move to lose, which eventually did happen.
Pekerman resigned just after the match but not before leaving doubts if he did play any intentional spoil sport. I hope this is simple case and not the case of Ronaldo's mysterious subdued game in the final of 1998. Ok Football is beautiful game, then he has disappointed all of us, be it Argentina fans or people looking for an El Classico between Brazil and Argentina.
How did he do that? Argentina leading 1-0 and with 62% possession and controlling the game and here he comes up with 2 substitutions - Cambiasso coming on for Riquelme and Cruz on for Crespo. The game changed with Germany henceforth dominating an eventually equalising and then losing on penalties, Cambiasso missing his penalty. Ok, let's excuse Cambiasso of this penalty miss, he did gave us the best goal of the tournament, may be in history of tournament. But why were these put on when only 18 minutes were left. And why for losing sake - Riquelme? He was back in control, dictating the game to Germans in German half. Was Riqueleme injured? No, so far no such reports have come out. Then why Cruz on for Crespo? What was Pekerman trying to do here, nothing but trying to give chances to Germans. Why not Messi or Saviola? How come Argentina got into defensive strategy when you know that Germans were giving more and more space at their backyard. Whatever it may be, tactical move or normal changeover, it was worst possible decision and nothing but move to lose, which eventually did happen.
Pekerman resigned just after the match but not before leaving doubts if he did play any intentional spoil sport. I hope this is simple case and not the case of Ronaldo's mysterious subdued game in the final of 1998. Ok Football is beautiful game, then he has disappointed all of us, be it Argentina fans or people looking for an El Classico between Brazil and Argentina.
Sunday, June 25, 2006
FIFA listen - Get the Ivory Coast in
Get the bloody teams out, if there is something called Fair Play. Both Portugal and Holland should be shown the door. Police should be called in to stop the pandemonium happening in the ground. Even the referee should be shown the card he already took out four times already if not the caution one used already 16 times. Referee if did caught 12 incidents right didn't caught 5 other important ones where there was necessity of his second favorite card this day.
Nevertheless, Scolari and Basten both have not shown any great gestures and their fellas have simply brought great disrepute to this beautiful game. Figo head putted but survived, Deco fouled, Cocu fouled but survived and story goes on and on and simply neither referee nor the Fifa were in-charge.
England are already 25% in the semis thanks to their next round opponents, huffing, puffing, wounded, injured, barely breathing side Portugal, but beware there could be another battle, Battle of Nurenberg shifting to Battle of Gelsenkirchen. Please bring my beautiful game back please. Get the Ivory Coast in place of these bloody teams. Brazil where are you, please continue your art, I have lost my faith and more so as i expect another bloodbath between Aussies and Italians.
Nevertheless, Scolari and Basten both have not shown any great gestures and their fellas have simply brought great disrepute to this beautiful game. Figo head putted but survived, Deco fouled, Cocu fouled but survived and story goes on and on and simply neither referee nor the Fifa were in-charge.
England are already 25% in the semis thanks to their next round opponents, huffing, puffing, wounded, injured, barely breathing side Portugal, but beware there could be another battle, Battle of Nurenberg shifting to Battle of Gelsenkirchen. Please bring my beautiful game back please. Get the Ivory Coast in place of these bloody teams. Brazil where are you, please continue your art, I have lost my faith and more so as i expect another bloodbath between Aussies and Italians.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
World Cup 2006 : FCUK - French Connection of Under (K)conduct
Raymond Domeneche, Henri Michel, Roger Lemerre are three of the 32 coaches who lined up their squads for the biggest extravaganza of the world in Deustchland. But after 2 weeks, Henri Michel's squad is already out, though after giving the toughest challenge to all the opponents; Domeneche's squad the champions of 1998 are staring down the barrel and picture is gloomier for Lemerre.
There is something terribly wrong with these coaches that has undermined the performance of their squads. Either it has to do with their own playing careers or their tactics still lingering to olden times and no looking for the latest happenings and ignoring latest developments.
Coach Domeneche has clearly been the most reserved of all in his approach. French in there 180 minutes have never looked like scoring. Somebody please tell him there are mid fielders and forwards also in a team. It looks like there is no team playing out there but 11 players sent out to touch the ball somehow. Henry and Zidane look foolish in this bunch of play. Zidane's World Cup might end if other teams play to oust France here, who do not look like to do anything extra. If the game against Switzerland was not an eye opener, game against Korea proved it that Domeneche has total defensive vision as if they were taking it for granted that pre-quarter berth is assured from this group without even scoring a goal. When the whole world knows that Korea scored almost 90% of its goals in 2nd half, how can a team think they can win on a 1-0 lead, but Coach Domeneche did think as he took off Wiltord from attack and put in Ribery a midfielder in, when the strategy should have been to score more goals. Coach completed the drudgery by putting on Trezeguet for final 2 minutes as if Henry who could not score for so long would help Trezeguet in these 2 minutes. Thanks to Barthez's lazy thighs who stuck and Koreans aimed at those only and not the goals. It was a shameful performance if looked closely, as French seemed to be playing against a powerhouse and instead of themselves putting on the opponents.
Second in line of fire should be Roger Lemerre. Tunisians however proud of their Coach, should realise quickly that reason they are not in second round is majorly due to the French approach. They were worse than Domeneche's, as they lost their leads twice, thanks to Zaidi they at least drew with Saudi Arab, otherwise it would have been 2 loses in 2 matches. Again here Lemerre did not learn from his previous stint with French squad in last world cup and thought that a 1-0 lead is enough against Saudi Arabia. If that was not enough, he thought same against the Spanish Armada. How on earth was he thinking that their defense can withstand against all attacking Spain attack force who had blasted the Ukrainian defense to pieces in last match. Instead of playing the ball in Spanish half, he made sure that Spanish were attacking with full force. How come Tunisians give such big space to Cesc Fabregas. With due respect to forthcoming greatness of Fabregas, he was given too much room to roam around and do anything with the ball. Lemerre might not be talking to Fabregas' Arsenal Coach Arsene Wenger but must have watched this youngster and should have stopped this on song. Alas, he simply waited for things to happen.
Third, Henry Michel, though undoubtedly would go as most successful French Coach unless Domeneche or Lemerre can inspire their squads to go much ahead in the run, which is very doubtful. Michel was in-charge of Ivory Coast who were regarded as Dark Horses of the tournament but were dealt well by Argentina nad Holland and thrown out of the tournament fighting. Now Michel had one of the best African team ever to be competing in World Cup. The match statistics of all the matches of this team show how much attacking this team was than famous Argentinians or Dutch. The only problem was that Henry did not make sure his team plays a slight different game against Dutch having learnt from their close undeserving defeat at the hands of Argentina. Apparently Marco Van Basten made sure they learn the Ivory Coast Game plan but Henry Michel failed to make any change in his plan. Result was same, agonizing defeat. Why? Because Ivory Coast was not finishing. Argument might come that finishing can't be learnt in a day. But a slight change could be made in either closing on Dutch attack and scoring first, rather than always chasing the 2-0 deficit. So many missed chance speak of themselves. Thanks to a Serbian depleted defense ivory Coast got 2 penalties to score a win finally but Henry Michel should have made slight change which was not in showing even in last match.
There is severe need to bring back the renaissance that was put forth by Coach Aime Jacquet, as French are capable of much better showing than this display of Coaching.
There is something terribly wrong with these coaches that has undermined the performance of their squads. Either it has to do with their own playing careers or their tactics still lingering to olden times and no looking for the latest happenings and ignoring latest developments.
Coach Domeneche has clearly been the most reserved of all in his approach. French in there 180 minutes have never looked like scoring. Somebody please tell him there are mid fielders and forwards also in a team. It looks like there is no team playing out there but 11 players sent out to touch the ball somehow. Henry and Zidane look foolish in this bunch of play. Zidane's World Cup might end if other teams play to oust France here, who do not look like to do anything extra. If the game against Switzerland was not an eye opener, game against Korea proved it that Domeneche has total defensive vision as if they were taking it for granted that pre-quarter berth is assured from this group without even scoring a goal. When the whole world knows that Korea scored almost 90% of its goals in 2nd half, how can a team think they can win on a 1-0 lead, but Coach Domeneche did think as he took off Wiltord from attack and put in Ribery a midfielder in, when the strategy should have been to score more goals. Coach completed the drudgery by putting on Trezeguet for final 2 minutes as if Henry who could not score for so long would help Trezeguet in these 2 minutes. Thanks to Barthez's lazy thighs who stuck and Koreans aimed at those only and not the goals. It was a shameful performance if looked closely, as French seemed to be playing against a powerhouse and instead of themselves putting on the opponents.
Second in line of fire should be Roger Lemerre. Tunisians however proud of their Coach, should realise quickly that reason they are not in second round is majorly due to the French approach. They were worse than Domeneche's, as they lost their leads twice, thanks to Zaidi they at least drew with Saudi Arab, otherwise it would have been 2 loses in 2 matches. Again here Lemerre did not learn from his previous stint with French squad in last world cup and thought that a 1-0 lead is enough against Saudi Arabia. If that was not enough, he thought same against the Spanish Armada. How on earth was he thinking that their defense can withstand against all attacking Spain attack force who had blasted the Ukrainian defense to pieces in last match. Instead of playing the ball in Spanish half, he made sure that Spanish were attacking with full force. How come Tunisians give such big space to Cesc Fabregas. With due respect to forthcoming greatness of Fabregas, he was given too much room to roam around and do anything with the ball. Lemerre might not be talking to Fabregas' Arsenal Coach Arsene Wenger but must have watched this youngster and should have stopped this on song. Alas, he simply waited for things to happen.
Third, Henry Michel, though undoubtedly would go as most successful French Coach unless Domeneche or Lemerre can inspire their squads to go much ahead in the run, which is very doubtful. Michel was in-charge of Ivory Coast who were regarded as Dark Horses of the tournament but were dealt well by Argentina nad Holland and thrown out of the tournament fighting. Now Michel had one of the best African team ever to be competing in World Cup. The match statistics of all the matches of this team show how much attacking this team was than famous Argentinians or Dutch. The only problem was that Henry did not make sure his team plays a slight different game against Dutch having learnt from their close undeserving defeat at the hands of Argentina. Apparently Marco Van Basten made sure they learn the Ivory Coast Game plan but Henry Michel failed to make any change in his plan. Result was same, agonizing defeat. Why? Because Ivory Coast was not finishing. Argument might come that finishing can't be learnt in a day. But a slight change could be made in either closing on Dutch attack and scoring first, rather than always chasing the 2-0 deficit. So many missed chance speak of themselves. Thanks to a Serbian depleted defense ivory Coast got 2 penalties to score a win finally but Henry Michel should have made slight change which was not in showing even in last match.
There is severe need to bring back the renaissance that was put forth by Coach Aime Jacquet, as French are capable of much better showing than this display of Coaching.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
World Cup 2006 Predictions
It is prediction time so i've my cents thrown in too.
My semis line up -
- Brazil ,Czech, Argentina,
4th one I thought hard... hmmm i give it to Holland over Ivory Coast (African teams are not able to finish but this century belongs to Africa for sure) ...
- Italy should meet Brazil in pre-quarters,
TOP HALF
Prequarters -
Germany - Sweden - (Germany wins because it has to reach quarters it being hosts)
England - Equador
Though my vote goes for Equador to top Group A but anyhow it would not matter much in disturbing the Semis line-up. But please take notice of Equador, they are deadly finishers.
Argentina - Mexico
Portugal - Holland
Quarters -
Argentina - Germany
Holland - Eng/Equ
BOTTOM HALF
Czech - Aus/Cro (Somehow soceroos are my favorites)
Brazil - Italy
France - Ukraine (This might change but any team comes Czech should beat them by the way Czechs are topping the Group ahead of Italy)
Spain - Sui/Kor (I prefer Suiss)
QUARTERS
Czech - France
Brazil - Spain
Though all predicitons have gone for a ride so far, let's see how it goes this time.
My semis line up -
- Brazil ,Czech, Argentina,
4th one I thought hard... hmmm i give it to Holland over Ivory Coast (African teams are not able to finish but this century belongs to Africa for sure) ...
- Italy should meet Brazil in pre-quarters,
TOP HALF
Prequarters -
Germany - Sweden - (Germany wins because it has to reach quarters it being hosts)
England - Equador
Though my vote goes for Equador to top Group A but anyhow it would not matter much in disturbing the Semis line-up. But please take notice of Equador, they are deadly finishers.
Argentina - Mexico
Portugal - Holland
Quarters -
Argentina - Germany
Holland - Eng/Equ
BOTTOM HALF
Czech - Aus/Cro (Somehow soceroos are my favorites)
Brazil - Italy
France - Ukraine (This might change but any team comes Czech should beat them by the way Czechs are topping the Group ahead of Italy)
Spain - Sui/Kor (I prefer Suiss)
QUARTERS
Czech - France
Brazil - Spain
Though all predicitons have gone for a ride so far, let's see how it goes this time.
Wednesday, April 5, 2006
Fan following
April 04 - UEFA Champion's League Quarterfinal Second Leg at San Siro - AC Milan's Inzaghi scored againt run of play to lead the leg 1-0 but Lyon's Diarra scored back in next 5 minutes to make it level and I was happy for this equalizer. Suddenly realizing that AC Milan is the team that has been my favorite since childhood. I've been longing to wear its red-black t-shirt and how happy I was when I saw the San Siro. But here, I was supporting the rivals. What had happened to me.
Was I moving from a straight fan follower to take a more generalistic approach of following better football? Or, I was just supporting another team that had no stars and thus was a weaker side, what if they were French Champions by far or what if they dominated the game for 85minutes and were few minutes away from creating club history of reaching semi-final stage.
This beautiful game raised many more questions about this fan following. How was I different from all sitting in San Siro and making a deafening noise for Forza Milan or Forza San Siro? How could anyone support Chelsea life long? Ok they might be champions, then how could anyone follow and support Sunderland when i guess 99% know they will relegate themselves or be close to it in Premiership? Moving to a different sport, how could anyone get behind Scuderia Toro Rosso, when we are sure they might still not get points if all other cars crash out in Formula One?
These and many more questions that neurons raised in something we call as mind, have been troubling me and i would like to find answers and give arguments and contradict a few times, to find some concrete answers to such questions raised by fan following.
Was I moving from a straight fan follower to take a more generalistic approach of following better football? Or, I was just supporting another team that had no stars and thus was a weaker side, what if they were French Champions by far or what if they dominated the game for 85minutes and were few minutes away from creating club history of reaching semi-final stage.
This beautiful game raised many more questions about this fan following. How was I different from all sitting in San Siro and making a deafening noise for Forza Milan or Forza San Siro? How could anyone support Chelsea life long? Ok they might be champions, then how could anyone follow and support Sunderland when i guess 99% know they will relegate themselves or be close to it in Premiership? Moving to a different sport, how could anyone get behind Scuderia Toro Rosso, when we are sure they might still not get points if all other cars crash out in Formula One?
These and many more questions that neurons raised in something we call as mind, have been troubling me and i would like to find answers and give arguments and contradict a few times, to find some concrete answers to such questions raised by fan following.
Monday, March 13, 2006
Fantasmo Gentlemen's Game
Sunday being Sunday, it was surprising that i woke up early and then was not disappointed when I was turned down by courier agency while i badly needed to send a package. Not sure was it intuition that there was huge fun to come by. And what an entertaining fun session it was.
It started at about 1330 IST while i was slurping through heavy lunch. Kangaroos were going to bat first at Wanderers and i just remembered murder of Indian bowlers in 2003 World Cup Finals at the same ground. Wanderers ground nick named as Bullring, famous for crowd trouble but there was no sign of Aussies being intimidated while the whole work was done by Gilchrist,Ponting and rest Aussie punters. Only intimidated ones throughout the match were a species called bowlers, who seemed to go extinct with only endangered versions being absent in form of McGrath and Pollock.
The ease with which aussies shaped the blitzkrieg made it difficult to shuffle channel to watch the Formula One as that was an entertaining prospect as well. With Ferrari horse power back in reckoning but here it was a totally different horse power at play. The smiling face of Smith as aussies crossed 420 mark as well, or the thousands of smiles across the Wanderers, told that a strange sense of relax and watch aussies breaking more records had prevailed. Little did anyone believe what saga would unfurl after the break! Aussies had complied an incredible 434 runs in 50 overs. Talks of a 200 run defeat were commonly mentioned even by cricket pundits sitting as commentators.
Dippenar departed quickly and i had a sense of relief as it could only do good as it no more sheet anchor role required here. In comes Gibbs in the ring with fight heavily against him and his teammate were supposed on the ropes.
I went out at 1900 IST as Smith and Gibbs completed their 50s and run rate touching 8 but still 350+ runs required. THat msut have been startled both as how much they were hitting and task was still huge.
At 1950 IST while in a shopping mall, i got a call saying Gibbs is on 150. If it took 100 runs for Gibbs' next hundred, contest was on. Was Gibbs onto something, were proteas going for it reallyyyyyyyyyy.
Anyway i could not resist and made my way out and was stopped by a small crowd of about 10-12 people standing outside a shop catching the live action coming through a TV playing in the shop. Me and my friend added ourselves to the crowd.
Crowd was always growing very different from what van der Wath was doing. He took it from 77 off 42 required to 35 from 24.
Proteas please don't lose from here.
2 incidents happened as we came to last over.
Scene I - Situation - On Residency Road 15-20 people including me and friend watching the match through a TV placed inside a shop and proteas needing 32 from 24 or so balls.
A couple comes from right and guy says "ek ball dekhne do" bandi... holding his hand and drags him forward while saying no no no... chalo chupchaap.
Mere aur friend ki aankhein mili aur muh se nikla ek kantap do... aisi bandi mili to usi time kantap khaayegi aur muh se nikalega KAT LO. (How come you be so insane to ignore sport and an event like this.)
Scene II - Situation - Same venue with 50odd ppl now craning their necks as proteas have lost 9th wicket and with 3balls to go and 2 runs needed for win.
A car comes by and stops and guy on wheel asks for score and when he gets the score... WATTTTTTTTT only 2 runs from 3 balls and one wicket.. woooooooooo. He told her bandi (wife or girlfriend) the situation and said dekhte hain yaar. pops out of the door and stands tall while bandi tries to stand on the car door but can't see, so comes on the pavement with car standing on the road (as if to heck with traffic, watch the match..) then they see the historic win and go away.
Now me and friend say... nahin scope hai.
The record that had stood for 10 years was broken two times in 4 hours.
Gibbs washed away the sin for catch of Gilchrist he dropped earlier in the match, but I’m sure he would be feeling free of guilt of dropping the World Cup and the whole squad would feel the difference of winning whenever the euphoria sinks in after few days.
Tag of chokers has been swept away in same fashion as Gibbs swept fastest bowler Lee 20 rows back from the fence, though the pundits and whole world watched them struggle and signs of choking making appearances like advertisements in between the movies.
Salute to you 22 people fighting inside the ropes of Bullring, what a high you provided. This was true masterpiece as even creators can't believe the art craft they have chiseled.
It started at about 1330 IST while i was slurping through heavy lunch. Kangaroos were going to bat first at Wanderers and i just remembered murder of Indian bowlers in 2003 World Cup Finals at the same ground. Wanderers ground nick named as Bullring, famous for crowd trouble but there was no sign of Aussies being intimidated while the whole work was done by Gilchrist,Ponting and rest Aussie punters. Only intimidated ones throughout the match were a species called bowlers, who seemed to go extinct with only endangered versions being absent in form of McGrath and Pollock.
The ease with which aussies shaped the blitzkrieg made it difficult to shuffle channel to watch the Formula One as that was an entertaining prospect as well. With Ferrari horse power back in reckoning but here it was a totally different horse power at play. The smiling face of Smith as aussies crossed 420 mark as well, or the thousands of smiles across the Wanderers, told that a strange sense of relax and watch aussies breaking more records had prevailed. Little did anyone believe what saga would unfurl after the break! Aussies had complied an incredible 434 runs in 50 overs. Talks of a 200 run defeat were commonly mentioned even by cricket pundits sitting as commentators.
Dippenar departed quickly and i had a sense of relief as it could only do good as it no more sheet anchor role required here. In comes Gibbs in the ring with fight heavily against him and his teammate were supposed on the ropes.
I went out at 1900 IST as Smith and Gibbs completed their 50s and run rate touching 8 but still 350+ runs required. THat msut have been startled both as how much they were hitting and task was still huge.
At 1950 IST while in a shopping mall, i got a call saying Gibbs is on 150. If it took 100 runs for Gibbs' next hundred, contest was on. Was Gibbs onto something, were proteas going for it reallyyyyyyyyyy.
Anyway i could not resist and made my way out and was stopped by a small crowd of about 10-12 people standing outside a shop catching the live action coming through a TV playing in the shop. Me and my friend added ourselves to the crowd.
Crowd was always growing very different from what van der Wath was doing. He took it from 77 off 42 required to 35 from 24.
Proteas please don't lose from here.
2 incidents happened as we came to last over.
Scene I - Situation - On Residency Road 15-20 people including me and friend watching the match through a TV placed inside a shop and proteas needing 32 from 24 or so balls.
A couple comes from right and guy says "ek ball dekhne do" bandi... holding his hand and drags him forward while saying no no no... chalo chupchaap.
Mere aur friend ki aankhein mili aur muh se nikla ek kantap do... aisi bandi mili to usi time kantap khaayegi aur muh se nikalega KAT LO. (How come you be so insane to ignore sport and an event like this.)
Scene II - Situation - Same venue with 50odd ppl now craning their necks as proteas have lost 9th wicket and with 3balls to go and 2 runs needed for win.
A car comes by and stops and guy on wheel asks for score and when he gets the score... WATTTTTTTTT only 2 runs from 3 balls and one wicket.. woooooooooo. He told her bandi (wife or girlfriend) the situation and said dekhte hain yaar. pops out of the door and stands tall while bandi tries to stand on the car door but can't see, so comes on the pavement with car standing on the road (as if to heck with traffic, watch the match..) then they see the historic win and go away.
Now me and friend say... nahin scope hai.
The record that had stood for 10 years was broken two times in 4 hours.
Gibbs washed away the sin for catch of Gilchrist he dropped earlier in the match, but I’m sure he would be feeling free of guilt of dropping the World Cup and the whole squad would feel the difference of winning whenever the euphoria sinks in after few days.
Tag of chokers has been swept away in same fashion as Gibbs swept fastest bowler Lee 20 rows back from the fence, though the pundits and whole world watched them struggle and signs of choking making appearances like advertisements in between the movies.
Salute to you 22 people fighting inside the ropes of Bullring, what a high you provided. This was true masterpiece as even creators can't believe the art craft they have chiseled.
Saturday, September 3, 2005
sania mania
yesterday i watched the whole match of Sania for first time as she stormed her way in kind of arrogant way to 4th round and to match Maria Sharapova. but it might be due to few minutes i spent outside as i just could not watch her struggle at 5-6 in first set and making a customary error, putting a simple volley in to the net and score on her serve was 0-15 and then she served right in the net and i simply could not watch her making a double. and then a phone call from friend told me that she won the set 7-6. This was amazing.
Now coming to her game, one unique observation which is clearly seen is that she lost just two points in whole match, where she hit more than 2 forehands. she was simply in arrogantly good form as she played best tennis in US Open so far, taking her game far above the level she played in first two rounds. She would definitely pose a few problems for the world number One in next match, but she could be lethal if she improves on her service game and control herself from over hitting and thereby lessening the count of 40+ unforced errors.
But her forehand complimented her two+ forehand theory very well and it would be definitely interesting to watch her play the World Number Uno. Sania vs Maria, truly a different Mania.
Sunday, August 7, 2005
The Emperor
From the far side closer to VIP arena came the first serve,right in the corner of service court box and flies away more and a little more to the right, getting more away from the challenger,who is, by now a mute witness to the tunes played by the master, the champion. 15-0.
Just then second serve, again challenger i unable to use his stroke. 30-0. The champion, now just two points away from the third consecutive title. This was an ace on second serve, moving away from Roddick - the challenger, now a silent look says it all.
Next serve return from Roddick hits close to baseline and the champion makes a casual - arrogant backhand shot which dipped on the tape and falls back in his own court. So casual, the crowd sighs as the ball falls back after hitting the court. 30-15.
"Can i do something here". "No" says the champion as next masterful serve is returned and put away with a volley to make it to the championship point. 40-15, in less than 2 hours.
So then, how would the end be?
Serve right on the line and Roddick takes a step left, backhand in action, reaches the ball, totally bent on his left and only barely able to reach.. touch it as the yellow green ball glistened in rarely out sun, takes one dip then another one before it hits the net and the master, after gracefully mesmerizing the whole arena with his impeccable art, drops to his knees, palms holded together and racquet in between as hands go on to the head up in ecstasy, unable to control emotions, as he did on last two occasions.
Falls on his knees, feet also folded, goes on his back,still holding the racquet, getting back on his knees, and then looking straight into eyes of Tony Roche, artist of old times, and girl friend Barbaranek, gets up, unable to control the tears. Gets up finally and walks towards Roddick as they get in a friendly embrace, a total sportsmanship, Roddick saluting the master.
Score - 6-2, 7-6, 6-4, looks totally one sided, but it was more a difference of artistery, level above all themaster is the king. King with tears and as Roddick said - "he has got better in last two years". The throne looks permanent as The Champion - Roger Federer, is in control, putting all the rhymes in beautiful tones, better than anyon else has done it before.
Just then second serve, again challenger i unable to use his stroke. 30-0. The champion, now just two points away from the third consecutive title. This was an ace on second serve, moving away from Roddick - the challenger, now a silent look says it all.
Next serve return from Roddick hits close to baseline and the champion makes a casual - arrogant backhand shot which dipped on the tape and falls back in his own court. So casual, the crowd sighs as the ball falls back after hitting the court. 30-15.
"Can i do something here". "No" says the champion as next masterful serve is returned and put away with a volley to make it to the championship point. 40-15, in less than 2 hours.
So then, how would the end be?
Serve right on the line and Roddick takes a step left, backhand in action, reaches the ball, totally bent on his left and only barely able to reach.. touch it as the yellow green ball glistened in rarely out sun, takes one dip then another one before it hits the net and the master, after gracefully mesmerizing the whole arena with his impeccable art, drops to his knees, palms holded together and racquet in between as hands go on to the head up in ecstasy, unable to control emotions, as he did on last two occasions.
Falls on his knees, feet also folded, goes on his back,still holding the racquet, getting back on his knees, and then looking straight into eyes of Tony Roche, artist of old times, and girl friend Barbaranek, gets up, unable to control the tears. Gets up finally and walks towards Roddick as they get in a friendly embrace, a total sportsmanship, Roddick saluting the master.Score - 6-2, 7-6, 6-4, looks totally one sided, but it was more a difference of artistery, level above all themaster is the king. King with tears and as Roddick said - "he has got better in last two years". The throne looks permanent as The Champion - Roger Federer, is in control, putting all the rhymes in beautiful tones, better than anyon else has done it before.
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