Channel 4 root of my escapism
THE first time I went to India, more than 12 years ago, I saw Sachin Tendulkar complete an unbeaten century in the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai and inspire India to an emotional victory a few weeks after terrorist attacks had wrought carnage in Mumbai. I loved that trip, walking along the endless sands of Marina Beach and watching myriad games of cricket taking place there, sensing for the first time the depth of love there is for the sport in India.
So being able to get up early in the morning these last few days and switch on Channel 4’s coverage and watch Joe Root bat and see the cameras panning out above the stadium to give us views of the beach and the ocean has felt like one of the most glorious forms of escapism.
I have heard some criticism of Channel 4’s coverage, because it is not quite up to Sky’s level. But I won’t entertain any carping about Channel 4’s production. They made the commitment to show the series when others were conspicuous by their absence. For that we owe them a debt of gratitude.