Let's give this clash what it deserves

Cricket often stands for something beyond itself. It has been the symbol of an empire and the symbol of the colonies striking back. Cricket matches are seldom bereft of symbolic content; the baggage of history ensures that. No India-Pakistan series, for example, can ever be about the cricket alone. The game takes the shape of the vessel it is poured into - the vessel made from the prevailing political and social thinking of the period. Today in India it stands for anti-terrorism. It is a heavy responsibility.

Few matches in recent years have had as much symbolic power as the one set to commence in Chennai. It will be seen, at the very least, as a match between England’s bulldog spirit and India’s resilience. Cliché, yes, but clichés become clichés because they happen to be true. And before we are through, other symbols are bound to be imposed on the game. Sport is convenient that way.

Chennai, a city which knows both its history and its cricket, is bound to give the English captain a roar of approval and gratitude when he goes out to toss. Merely by turning up England have won many hearts. Some even think they have won a victory already regardless of what happens in the two-match series.

Still, before the umpire shouts ‘Play’, we need to dust the game of its excessive symbolism and drag it back to its slot as a competitive sport between two countries.

So far the focus has been on the English team - their generosity, their sacrifice, their spirit - but the Indian team has had to deal with its demons too. Some of the players have lost people they knew in the terrorist attacks; like the rest of us, all of them will have experienced a sickening feeling in the pits of their stomachs while watching the events unfold on television.

They too will have problems concentrating on the job at hand. Sachin Tendulkar might have played 154 Test matches, but even he will have to make a mighty effort to push the events that paralysed his city and the country into the back of his mind and focus on doing what he does best. It is a tough call. The players are putting on a show to help us regain our poise, we must respond by allowing them to find their own peace on the cricket field.