Food for thought

A tour to India is a challenging one. Quite simply hardships and aggravation will occur but embarking on the experience with that in mind will go a long way to making it more manageable.

The cricketers have been well versed in this and are anxious to embrace the culture of the country and sample the fascination of that part of the world. Should that attitude be able to be maintained over what is these days a ‘whistle stop’ trip, it will go a long way to maintaining morale and subsequently enhancing performance to a certain extent.

One thing that will totally amaze the ten members of the playing squad who have not set foot in India before will be the fanaticism of the public when it comes to their national game. Autograph hunters will be lurking around every corner. Not just one but hundreds… or maybe even thousands. Even though calls will be screened to hotel rooms the only way of ensuring a good night’s sleep will be to take the phone off the hook. Waiters who enthusiastically deliver the staple, safe evening room service meal of a club sandwich will linger for an uncomfortable amount of time just waiting for a scribble on a piece of paper or the opportunity for a polaroid snap. A relaxing stroll in the market will be a nightmare should the swarm of attention not be anticipated. The stars of the squad will not be afforded the luxury of savouring an uninterrupted meal for the next three weeks!

The cricket loving public, which by the way seems just about everyone you come into contact with, idolizes international cricketers. Just mention Jonty’s name and a face will beam with delight. You do of course risk the danger of still being involved in conversation some 20 minutes later as they reel off all their favourite Jonty moments and his full career statistics both international and first class!

My good mate Adam Gilchrist had a remarkable interlude recently during the Australian tour of India. Following the third Test victory, which clinched the series, Adam decided to have a low-key meal at the team hotel in Nagpur. Whilst he was perusing the menu, up bounced the overly eager waiter and enquired if he again wanted to order mild chicken korma, rice, naan bread and lemonade to quench his thirst. Adam, who had not eaten at this particular restaurant since they arrived, looked the enthusiast in the eye and said, “What do you mean again?”

The waiter smiled and immediately fumbled through his notepad and presented ‘Gilly’ with the exact same order he had placed when the Australians stayed at the establishment during the 2001 tour!

Another autograph please!