I was quite delighted to receive an invitation to Australia to experience the Roos’ second sport.
Are they the hockey players? No, no, they’re footballers, or as it’s referred to here, soccer players. In India, we pride ourselves on being the best hockey players globally, but we must acknowledge the Roos since we haven’t yet claimed the title of world champions in soccer. However, that victory is on the horizon.
Cricket is the second sport in Australia. It’s the greatest game ever conceived by the experts from Rawalpindi. We are acknowledged as the finest test players in history. Unfortunately, this year has not been favorable, as we faced a stretch of bad luck. How can the world’s best batsmen perform on pitches that resemble ashtrays and beer tents? I’m convinced the umpires hailed from Russia, given that their signals and decisions wouldn’t make sense in Delhi catessons.
I can’t fault the Australians’ sense of humor. They cheered every time we lost a wicket, and when a batsman got out without scoring, they waved and cheered, tossing chickens into the air.
This is particularly a tradition linked to the Pommies.
We also have the best spin bowlers; however, a man named Shane, who learned his spinning as a young man in India, has performed admirably for the Aussies.
This year, our superstar batsmen had to endure relentless fast bowling. It creates quite a ruckus in the afternoon following a curry lunch. In fact, the wicket-keeper had the audacity to complain about the batsman’s wind, which completely disrupted his focus. Spinners allow players to escape the wind before tea.
The fast bowlers smoke between runs and enjoy beer at the end of each over. No wonder they are referred to as demon bowlers.
I eagerly anticipate returning home to prepare for the English cricket season. All that rain and five-day tests often end in three days due to rain interruptions. If only Australia had experienced more rain.
I anticipate that we will secure the Olympic gold in cricket. I’ve heard that Irish referees will officiate, and metal bats and armored helmets will be used.
What a fantastic game, and the people here have been incredibly welcoming. They have a game called Hooning… it appears in the newspapers every day. I didn’t witness it, but it’s supposedly very popular, somewhat akin to elephant racing but with borrowed cars. It can be quite hazardous.
Additionally, Australians seem to believe we are colored people. They persist in saying we are red Indians. However, we are not from Red India.
I must leave now as many jobs are at stake, and I need to secure a train ticket to reach there first to be in line for a good position. They are sure to require a skilled batsman.
See you in London 2012.
Happy New Melawi!
by Rahndi Ghit
