CHANGE OF VENUE... BUT A CHANGE OF RESULT?
This latest leg of England’s sub-continental odyssey has taken them to Visakhapatnam, a port city on the Bay of Bengal on India’s east coast. Vizag, as it’s popularly known, is the commercial centre of the state of Andhra Pradesh and is ranked the fifth-cleanest city in the country.
For those of us who spent eight nights in Rajkot, the venue for the first Test, it’s a nice change of scenery, particularly as meat and alcohol are available here unlike the ‘dry’ and vegetarian state of Gujarat.
Known as the ‘Jewel of the East Coast’, Vizag became India’s ninth Test venue when it hosted its first match here this week.
The first international at the ground between India and Pakistan in 2005 saw MS Dhoni score his maiden ODI hundred. It’s hosted six more ODIs since, most recently India’s series-sealing victory over New Zealand late last month.
The 38,000-capacity stadium must have one of the longest names for a sporting venue in the world –it’s full title reading: The Dr.Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy Andhra Cricket Association/Visakhapatnam District Cricket Association (ACVDCA) ground.
Known for it’s lush outfield, the grass for the stadium was specially imported from the Caribbean and, given the city’s position on the beach here, it’s got a certain Caribbean vibe to the place, even if it’s slightly less chilled out.
However, after poor attendances in Rajkot, another new Test venue, India should be worried that the small crowd for the first day of this match is an indication that they are struggling to sell Test cricket.
It probably doesn’t help either that the stadium here, just as in Rajkot, is miles out of the city – a good 25-minute drive from the centre. With this series being shown live on free-to-air TV, it’s easier for locals to stay at home. ENGLAND may have defied pre-series predictions of doom with their performance in the first Test in Rajkot, but India will still exact revenge for their 2012 defeat at the hands of Alastair Cook’s side according to an Indian astrologer.
The stargazer, named Greenstone Lobo, says: “Cook has come with an inexperienced team with many players born in the 1990s. On the other hand, the Indian team consists of players born during 1984-90 when Planet-X and Planet-Z were in exaltation. Hence India’s chances to win are brighter. Additionally, Anil Kumble, the Indian coach, has a better horoscope than his counterpart Trevor Bayliss.”
Might there not be a simpler explanation? Perhaps the fact England are playing the world’s No.1 team away from home... MARK Saxby, the hugely popular England massage therapist, is growing a rather impressive ‘tache for Movember in aid of men’s health charities.
“This shifty Movember Tash I’m wearing is all about raising awareness of men’s health issues,” he says.
Saxby has also received a rather extreme haircut at the hands of Joe Root and Ben Stokes, whose use of clippers in the team hotel in Visakhapatnam left him looking like Robert De Niro in Taxi Driver and a rapper.
To support Mark’s efforts and make a donation you can visit: mobro.co/campervan