Team India switched their traditional blue outfit for a cool grey look at practice ahead of the first Test against South Africa at the Chepauk here on Sunday. New mental training coach Paddy Upton took charge of the fielding session and this could well be a sign of things to come. He will not only be mental training coach but also a tough taskmaster on the physical front.
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The South Africans would have been happy to get the harsh sun on their back for the first time on this visit. The last time they were here, weather played spoilsport. The entire side went DVD hunting last time picking up a large chunk of titles from the grey market. No such demands for the local manager till now who said the team was weary after their long flight and he expected enquires to start shortly. Only a few members of the side have come with their wives unlike their last visit where the WAGs (wives and girlfriends) entourage was huge.
The police battalion stationed outside the dressing room was in for a shock. A very loud command rung out for attention and the cops jumped to be ready to salute. The ‘officer’ who gave the command from behind the sightscreen was none other than Makhaya Ntini. The sheepish cops ended up laughing. Ntini, soon to be a home player at Chepauk with the Chennai Super Kings, was an instant hit with the crowd.
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Ticket sales have picked over the last 24 hours. The sun making its way out of blue skies that replaced the grey overcast of the last few days must have had something to do with it. More than half the tickets have been sold out. With good weather predicted for the match a crowd around 40,000 should be expected.
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Media arrangements have inevitably left a bad taste at most Indian cricket venues. Dr Baba and his crew have worked overtime this time around to ensure everything is in order. Right from announcements of player interactions to the handling of accreditations has been given a professional touch. The media centre is functional even three days before the match — a rarity in India.
V. Balaji
