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The Test that will be a crucial exam
Compared to the complete gadar at Test venues in India a day before, the Gabba was silent and organised. Missing were shrieking fans desirous of gaining darshan of cricketing gods, there were no police vans with screaming sirens and red lights, no elaborate security bandobast, no jostling crowds searching for passes, no nothing.
Compared to the complete gadar at Test venues in India a day before, the Gabba was silent and organised, one almost thought the match ended a week ago.
Missing were shrieking fans desirous of gaining darshan of cricketing gods, there were no police vans with screaming sirens and red lights, no elaborate security bandobast, no jostling crowds searching for passes, no nothing. I don't know how many tickets have been sold but on Wednesday, the Gabba appeared to be under Section 144 to keep crowds away.
Instead of general chaos you saw professionals going about their business in a, well, business-like manner. First up the mandatory press conference where routine questions were thrown at Steve Waugh who, most impressively, handled them calmly.
Watching his supreme composure I now have better understanding, and considerably more respect, for maestros Ravi Shankar/Zakir Hussain who don't get annoyed even when supposedly knowledgeable members of the audience clap and cheer at the wrong time during a concert .
Waugh said the right things in a pleasant sort of a way. Whatever the sawaal, he responded with honesty and candour, playing around fluently with words.
One example of Waugh's wonderful communication skills: Why is India's overseas record so dreadful, asked someone sitting in the back row wearing shorts. Waugh, suddenly the concerned uncle, said India was addressing the issue, they are a talented side keen on correcting their image.
Meanwhile, the Indians practised on the main ground, and looked like tense kids going over the syllabus one last time before the a crucial exam. John Wright (with helmet on!), sliced slip catches as Virender Sehwag hurled balls from 10 yards away. In another part of the field, Bruce Reid (the latest addition to the tour party) hit up skiers for Nehra to catch.
Later, the bowlers had a bowl and the batters had a hit. But what was the little champion (I am using this phrase with Mr Gavaskar's permission) doing?
No nets for him, just a longish throw-down in one corner to check out basic batting movements. Obviously, the master technician had revised the curriculum much in advance and just needed to revisit some finer points.
But for everyone, later in the evening, there was one last but extremely important thing to do.
The ultimate preparation the day before was the team meeting (6.30 in the evening in Mount Isa, the conference room at the Brisbane Sheraton) where strategy was discussed and battle plans formulated.
