Home > Cricket
July 9, 2002
India rule on and off the pitch
- Jonathan Dyson
India continue to dominate the Natwest Series, on the pitch and in the stands. Only rain at Chester-le-Street has ruined a probable one hundred per cent record, and they have been wildly and colourfully supported wherever they have played. As with the World Cup in 1999, it is clear already that the enduring memory of this tournament will be the shiny, happy people of England’s cricket-loving Asian community.
An apex was reached at Edgbaston on Saturday with the game between India and Sri Lanka. With no regulations against the use of flags, banners or musical instruments, both sets of fans were able to create an atmosphere that was by all accounts as vibrant as you will ever find.
Around ninety per cent of the 21,000 crowd were supporting India. The following day, I received an e-mail from an Indian fan who was there: "Yesterday, the atmosphere was so electric, you would be excused for thinking that it was the final of the football World Cup. Too bad the ground could only hold 21,000 people. I think the atmosphere far exceeded anything I have experienced in the past (and that includes matches in the subcontinent and the Caribbean).
"I had a positive feeling about the atmosphere when I went to watch the Test between England and Sri Lanka last month. I think the crowd here knows how to have a good day out. In future, if you want to enjoy the subcontinent-like atmosphere, spare yourself the trip to India, and just come down the M1/M40 next time India plays in Birmingham.
"Last week at Lord’s, my four-year-old son got bored in the first fifteen overs of the game, and I had to leave the ground to drop him home. Yesterday, it was difficult to get him out of the ground at 6.30pm! This about sums it up."
What more proof do the MCC need of the extent to which they are driving potential new fans away? Channel 4’s Cricket Roadshow again set the scene perfectly, interviewing before the game expectant Indian fans adorned with face-paint and clutching their flags. As more and more supporters entered the stadium, presenter Sybil Ruscoe constantly enthused over the increasingly fervent atmosphere.
The radio commentators on Test Match Special were similarly impressed. Jonathan Agnew suggested how fantastic it would be to see a neutral Test between two Asian countries in England.
Simon Wilde of The Sunday Times also picked up on this theme: "Anybody who thinks cricket in England has an uncertain future sould have been in or around Birmingham’s main cricket ground yesterday ... India ... have played at neutral venues all over the world, but too rarely in England."
The following day, I went with my dad to Old Trafford for England’s game against Sri Lanka. Despite the result, it was a thoroughly enjoyable day, with a rare full house of 18,000, and -- even more scarce at present -- a bright day.
There was an excellent atmosphere, helped by the presence of a few groups of Sri Lankan fans, who proudly waved their brightly-coloured flags and generally got on well with the home supporters. A family of Sri Lankan fans were sat just in front of us, and made for excellent company throughout the day.
It was interesting to notice at first-hand how the English authorities are trying to enhance the atmosphere of one-day internationals and the interest of fans, especially the younger generation.
The most startling innovation this year has been the use of music on the PA system, which blares out whenever a wicket is taken, a new batsman enters the crease and a four is struck. Now, don’t get me wrong; I love music of all kinds, and enjoy going to gigs and nightclubs just like any other twenty-something. But there is a time and a place. Cricket matches represent an opportunity for on-looking-supporters to create their own noise, whether it be the football-style chants of English fans, the whistle-blowing of West Indians or the drum-beating and cheering of Indians. We don’t need any pre-recorded accompaniment
I wonder if the authorities are aware of the particular irony of using Robbie Williams's lyric "Let meee .. eeee.. entertain you", and its spectacular failure to compete with the far louder spontaneous cheering and chanting of Indian fans, who are so clearly able to amuse themselves in the stands.
Other ventures are more worthwhile, in particular the NatWest fun zone. This features a speed-gun, a reaction-tester and an Internet cricket game. A long queue indicated the popularity of the speed-gun, while hordes of boys were clearly enjoying the other games.
NatWest has done much for the development of youth cricket in this country, and this is another example of their forward thinking. The fun zone helps keep the younger spectators amused during the interval, and does so simply by exploiting the sheer thrill to be gained from two of cricket’s key attributes ---speed and reactions.
Another highlight was a lengthy Mexican wave during England’s innings involving the use of torn newspapers, which ended abruptly with the dismissal of Alec Stewart. As a spectator behind me commented, "We’ve been distracted by the cricket." The joke betrayed the fact that, contrary to what the English authorities seem to believe, it is in fact perfectly possible to watch cricket and wave your arms in the air at the same time.
On Thursday, there were several Indian fans at Chester-le-Street in Durham. As in the more traditional bases of Indian expatriate support like London, Birmingham and Leeds, fans at Chester-le-Street were cheering and flag-waving throughout. It was yet another indication that if anything, the Indian love of cricket in England is spreading. Long may it continue.
Also read:
- India's 'home' support
©1996 to 2001 rediff.com India Limited. All Rights Reserved.