'Music therapy' brings respite

When Ross Taylor's bat swung to produce the sweet music that it does, it was not just the New Zealand team that was smiling.

When Ross Taylor's bat swung to produce the sweet music that it does, it was not just the New Zealand team that was smiling. For the thousands that assembled in the newly renovated Wankhade Stadium to watch the New Zealand match against Canada, it was this 'music therapy' that brought respite to those at the wrong end of the security officials' arrogance and a disregard for 'customer satisfaction.'

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This was a match where the officials expected just a few hundred despite it being a Sunday. However, the surprisingly decent crowd that turned up were greeted by dirty seats that were covered with cement dust. Perhaps the Mumbai Cricket Association, in its all out attempt to showcase the new-look stadium, thought the cement dust would convince the spectators that they are sitting in a renovated stadium!

Not that the renovation work was incomplete, but proper cleaning of the seats shouldn't have been a tall ask. It is a World Cup match after all.

Mumbaikars, who perhaps are used to the dust and dirt of the city, soon settled down as the Kiwis came in to bat. Just after reminding them of the pollution in their city, the officials in the stands reminded them of their schooldays - the headmistress pointing the finger at you an shouting, 'sit down,' 'maintain discipline'.

The crowd erupted as if everything was perfect. They even turned a blind eye to the pastries, rolls and other delicacies that were being served in the adjacent corporate boxes, while they munched on samosas.