A wishy-washy day at SuperSport Park
What's to see in a washout? Elvis, raucous fans from either side, and a brilliant run-out, among other things. But who'll pay for parking?
Dana Malan
29-Sep-2009
The only highlight in an otherwise disappointing day out was the run-out of Ricky Ponting • AFP
Choice of game
I wanted to watch this game as I thought an India-Australia match would always be a great game, seeing as they are ranked the top two teams in the world. I always support whichever team is playing against Australia, but to be honest I predicted Australia to win this game before the start.
I wanted to watch this game as I thought an India-Australia match would always be a great game, seeing as they are ranked the top two teams in the world. I always support whichever team is playing against Australia, but to be honest I predicted Australia to win this game before the start.
Team supported
Obviously I would have loved for South Africa to break their drought and finally win one, but now they are out, I am betting my hat on Pakistan lifting the trophy.
Obviously I would have loved for South Africa to break their drought and finally win one, but now they are out, I am betting my hat on Pakistan lifting the trophy.
One thing I would have changed about the match
This is an easy one. Obviously I would have preferred it if the rain had stayed away.
This is an easy one. Obviously I would have preferred it if the rain had stayed away.
Face-off you relished
I was looking forward to seeing Brett Lee bowling to Sachin Tendulkar. Alas, it was not meant to be.
I was looking forward to seeing Brett Lee bowling to Sachin Tendulkar. Alas, it was not meant to be.
Accessories
I always bring my trusty South African flag and my binoculars to zoom in on the action. I know South Africa weren't playing, but I decided India were to be honorary South Africans for the day.
I always bring my trusty South African flag and my binoculars to zoom in on the action. I know South Africa weren't playing, but I decided India were to be honorary South Africans for the day.
Wow moment
My wow moment was Gautam Gambhir hitting the stumps after throwing the ball in from near the boundary, to find Ricky Ponting metres short of his ground. An absolutely brilliant throw. I think South Africa should get him to give them lessons in hitting the stumps.
My wow moment was Gautam Gambhir hitting the stumps after throwing the ball in from near the boundary, to find Ricky Ponting metres short of his ground. An absolutely brilliant throw. I think South Africa should get him to give them lessons in hitting the stumps.
Player watch
My favourite player moment was when Amit Mishra was fielding near the boundary and the crowd started chanting "Mishra, Mishra" when he turned around and gave this big smile. Lovely.
My favourite player moment was when Amit Mishra was fielding near the boundary and the crowd started chanting "Mishra, Mishra" when he turned around and gave this big smile. Lovely.
Shot of the day
The Ricky Ponting six when he lofted it straight back over the bowler's head. Magnificent shot.
The Ricky Ponting six when he lofted it straight back over the bowler's head. Magnificent shot.
Crowd meter
There seemed to be more Australian than Indian supporters, judging by the flags being waved. The crowd was pretty quiet until they started playing the Queen anthem "We Will Rock You" over the PA. Everyone started chanting and playing along on their "Pong Bong" sticks. Wonder who came up with the idea for those things?
There seemed to be more Australian than Indian supporters, judging by the flags being waved. The crowd was pretty quiet until they started playing the Queen anthem "We Will Rock You" over the PA. Everyone started chanting and playing along on their "Pong Bong" sticks. Wonder who came up with the idea for those things?
Fancy-dress index
There was much excitement about an Elvis sighting in the crowd. Actually, he was sitting right next to me. And it turns out Elvis is an Australian supporter. Who would've thought it?
There was much excitement about an Elvis sighting in the crowd. Actually, he was sitting right next to me. And it turns out Elvis is an Australian supporter. Who would've thought it?
Entertainment
They had some very good African drummers and dancers performing before the game, but I must say the IPL dancers were much easier on the eye.
They had some very good African drummers and dancers performing before the game, but I must say the IPL dancers were much easier on the eye.
Shock of the day
They were charging 50 Rand (US$6.7) for parking around the stadium. To make it even worse, they closed off all the streets so that you were forced to pay this exorbitant amount. Shame on you SuperSport Park.
They were charging 50 Rand (US$6.7) for parking around the stadium. To make it even worse, they closed off all the streets so that you were forced to pay this exorbitant amount. Shame on you SuperSport Park.
ODI v Twenty20
The IPL was really spectacular. Not just that but it was exciting cricket with a myriad of good shots. I fear that the lack of boundaries plus that boring bit in the middle of the innings will spell the death of ODIs.
The IPL was really spectacular. Not just that but it was exciting cricket with a myriad of good shots. I fear that the lack of boundaries plus that boring bit in the middle of the innings will spell the death of ODIs.
Banner of the day
I didn't see any signs or banners around the ground, except for five guys wearing t-shirts that spelt out I.N.D.I.A, one letter each. One of my friends was the D.
I didn't see any signs or banners around the ground, except for five guys wearing t-shirts that spelt out I.N.D.I.A, one letter each. One of my friends was the D.
Overall
Yes, unfortunately the game was cut short by the rain, but even otherwise it never really seemed to take off and catch fire like the previous games I watched. I was expecting more sparks between these two traditional rivals.
Yes, unfortunately the game was cut short by the rain, but even otherwise it never really seemed to take off and catch fire like the previous games I watched. I was expecting more sparks between these two traditional rivals.
Marks out of 10
5. Maybe if it had gone through to its conclusion it would have been more exciting.
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