I never really was much interested in following cricket when i was in India; i never bothered to watch it on TV, forget watching it at a stadium. However, with the interest in cricket seen here in Australia, and also the friendly banter among colleagues at work in a multi-cultural environment, the effect rubbed off on me. Soon i found myself having a tab on the browser synced to the cricinfo site to check live match updates.
Twas' a fine day when a friend of mine asked if i was interested in watching the live version of the Tri Series ODI match. The series between Australia, India and England, saw the first duel between India and England was to be held at the Gabba in Brisbane on the 20th of January.
Tickets were booked and we found ourselves counting down the days.
The Gabba derives it name from the Woolloongabba suburb in Brisbane.
The Gabba is easily accessible by a combo of bus and train from where we stay in North Brisbane, and the good thing is that Queensland Transport allows you to travel FREE on public transport on a match day using you match tickets.
On match day, my friend who was accompanying us to watch the match made provisions to park our car at his place, located within walking distance from the Gabba.
Entering the hallowed Gabba was an experience to remember. There was something about the whole experience itself, with the weather Gods playing sport, considering we are in the middle of summer. A cool breeze helped make it a great day of watching cricket. However, the Indian cricket team had other plans, as we were to soon realize!!
Within 15 minutes of us settling down in our seats, the infamous Indian batting collapse had begun.
As wickets tumbled, the cheer from the Barmy Army situated in same stands as we did grew louder n louder.
Vociferous English supporters - The Barmy Army
It appeared as though i would get to leave for home even before the floodlights in the stadium had a chance to be turned on!
The lacklustre batting as well as bowling display from the indian cricket team left the Indian fans with nothing to cheer on, and most spent their time posing for the camera as the insipid match progressed.
Needless to say England romped home comfortably, while we were left cheated, as the Indian team packed up like a pack of cards.
Bowed heads - Says it all
The Gabba under the lights
Time to go home!