Robert,
What a feeling - a young untested team goes out and wins the TT world cup and that too against Pakistan! Indo Pak matches are never ever with their moments of giving heart attacks and this time again - it went right to the end. The first match also against them , where India won with a tie and then the bowl out!! All this could happen only to India and Pakistan.
What is truly a major upset was the Indian - South African match. Noone expected South Africa not to reach the magical 126 to ensure a berth in the semis. The Indians truly shocked them removing them not just from the semis but from the game. The same went for the Aussies. India is celebrating in a crazy way at the moment and there are fire crackers driving everyone around the bend!
With this win - I now have a gut feeling that at least one of the famous three - Sachin, Rahul and Saurav - will have to be very very careful as its most likely one or two may go out in the upcoming onedayers against the Aussies. Dhoni has proved to be a captain with a lot of brawns and brain and has adjusted his game and marshaled the side as a closely knit team. I now think he was the right choice and making Yuvraj the vice captain really did wonders - the six sixers in the that one over against the British and then the knock against the Aussies (which left them shell shocked) has finally brought him into his own. The British are going to take time to recover from this lamblasting and India will land in Australia on a high. Lets see how it goes from there. But for now - if you heard the music being played - CHAK DE INDIA!! - just hammer the opposition is what it generally means.
One more thing about the six sixers - if you really look at it -only three players have done it - one being Ravi Shastri in a domestic match, Herchele Gibbs against a team - Holland. To hit six sisers in one over in an international match is something special. I think Yuvraj was just venting his anger on the five sixes he was slammed for in the last ODI against England.
All I can now say is India has arrived.
Ananth

Ananth

Ignoring the World Cup it has been a great year for Indian cricket.I was impressed with Dhoni's leadership in this tournament also.India have a young side but they will be tested in the upcoming series.

I hope Dravid ,Laxman ,Kunmble ,Sehwag and Ganguly are recalled .

The Indian community in the UK have been celebrating all night I think

Dear Robert,
I think all the Indians in all parts of the world were celebrating and you cannot even imagine all that the state governments and the Companies they work for have given them for their win.Each one of them have become millionars overnight and have also got their promotions. Each of them have been given a luxury condo. by the main sponser - Sahara.
I am in complete agreement with you that though its a very talented team as they are at the moment - a lot of key players were missing. I would not take the names of Sachin, Rahul or Sauravof for that matter Kumble in regard to the TTs - as they are too valuable and experienced to go in for this kind of cricket.

Sehwag, except for the one innings has not done very much and I have my doubts if he will be considered for the forthcoming matches. With in inclusion of Rahul, Sachin and Saurav - it will be interesting to see who will have to sit out.

I also think Yusuf Pathan can be a very useful player and his younger brother Irfan has alreay proved himself that he is back on track - so we have one more addition - Zaheer - who still leads the quickies. I think India will have a problem with the selection but knowing Dhoni he will try and ensure all the youngsters are included and each one gets an opportunity. Joginder, who bowled the final over is today a changed man and I am really glad for him. He comes from a family where they barely muster up two proper meals a day and here just one over has not only made him famous and rich. I saw the interview of his parents - one saw the tears streaming down and I would add here that Dohni took a major chance in using him for the last over. His intution paid off!!
Lets see how the new team is made as the trio will have to be included.
Love,
Ananth

Just a note not let you know how this group affects people's lives.

I haven't been a member long and I don't really feel I have contributed much, but the helpful and encouraging words I have received for my mother really mean a lot.

Anyway ...........Sport doesn't really interest me at all, neither cricket, football nor rugby - whatever - BUT when I heard, either on the TV or Radio that India had won the cricket my first thought was "Ananth will be pleased".

Just shows how this place reaches deep inside our hearts, doesn't it.

Dear Winnie,
Thank you for your lovely words. We all lead a life where nothing is sure anymore.There are so many ways of getting over a lot of things such as remorse. Something that one is passionate about is like a medicine that makes life easier to live and when the passion does something special - like India winning the 20s - it makes me into a new person. I know a lot of people will think we are a few nuts here who discuss cricket - but then that is passion which one needs to help one and others ( Robert!) after all that we have gone through.
India start their next tour from tomorrow - the Aussies are playing the MIGHTY Indians in India and they are actually convinced they are going to win.
Winnie look out for this page.... this way you will think of me more often!!!
Lots and lots of love,
Ananth

Hi Ananth
I don't know what I'm going to do. Our football season finished here yesterday and sadly my team was defeated in a record-breaking loss of over 100 points!!!!!!! it couldn't have been much worse if they hadn't ventured over to Melbourne for the game.
The problem for me now is that it's going to be cricket season. I can't face it. Tell me what I need to do to be able to find some way of finding it interesting. I don't mind the one day matches ( that's limited over, isn't it?), but the tests just drag on and on and on and on (you get what I mean?) and there is no escaping the cricket on the radio. We get it morning, noon and night and while I realise that if I changed from the ABC to another station I could avoid it ~ I don't want to do that because I like the national broadcaster.
After the ragging you gave poor Ricky Ponting the other day in your post, I fear we Aussies are going to get a bit of a hard time from you!
I can't wait to hear your advice.
Love
Deborah

Hi Ananth
Sorry I have been so slow in congratulating you on the 20/20s. Well done! Must have given you a great lift. Hope you are keeping strong. You are one of the most positive people I've come across. Long may it remain so.
Kindest regards
Jamesr.

Hi Deborah,
Hmmm - the national telecaster seems to have something that others do not! But then.. he would as he is commentating on cricket and its only the special ones who do so. To be honest - its not everyones cup of tea or coffee. My wife hates the game and only tolerates it because of me.
The new Indian team full of youngsters have players with a lot of talent and a couple with alot of attitude. I would hate to be in their shoes should Mathew Hayden or Symonds decided to swing his bat not at the ball but at these guys. One of them has receieved a very serious reprimand and one more stupidity on his part its good bye. I personally do not like going personel on anyone who is playing against me as they too want to win and gives me no right to say wild things about them and act like a small baby on the field.
Ricky Pointing was asking for it and he got it back in his own coin. I, however, do not blame him as the 20/20 WC did leave a bitter taste in the Aussies camp and they are making no bones that the past is the past and now its another series. I saw the first match yesterday when the plastered India and I honestly think this trend is going to continue for the remaining five matches. One thing however - the new look Indian camp has a a lot of talent and a lot of guts to take anyone on. They are not overawed by anyones reputation and that makes a huge difference.
I know you are not really a keen cricket lover but you brought up the topic, my lovely and I just could not stop my self.

All my love, a smooch and a big hug. Say hi to hubby to who I will write sepertaely.

Ananth

Hi Jamesr,
You seem to be doing good and I am really very happy to hear when such things happen. Its almost like its happeneing to me. Coming to the 20s - yes, I enjoyed it but I still am not in favor of it as it really mars the normal one dayers and test matches. One thing however positive that came out was that India can play without too much of dependence on the big three - Sachi, Dravid and Saurav. How much is true will be tested now during the ongoing one dayers series in which the first match was washed out and second the Aussies really spanked the Indians. Tomorrow is the next match - lets see what happens - a new day and a new match.
You James - Positiveness comes from your mind set. As I mentioned earlier if one thinks everything and everyone is ganging upon him/her its paranoid that sets in. If one is positive - you leave the worrying and fretting till it does hapen. Think about the possibilities - but do not dwell upon it. I was very positive when I got my reports- I never did worry about it earlier or even when it was confirmed. The only thing I insisted on was I did not want to spend my days in a hospital in a bed and looking at the dull hopsital beds and walls. I preffered to carry on living the way I always have, well knowing that my body is detoriating. However, I do not see what the doctors can do about it and hence it was pointless to even think of getting into hospital. Both my doctors - who are not just the best but truly angels are feeling miserable but they too feel that I should lead the same life I always have - full of fun and being different from the other patients who they see come moaning and groaning every second day. They love the way, each time I land up at their office - may hair is a different color, at times I cut it really short and at times as now its long with blonde sreaks and ofcourse the "cute" ponytail!! Its a good laugh each time we meet and I think it also relieves them of a lot of stress they go through.
Well James - lets see how the new Indian mean in blue cope up with the "pack of wolves" and see if they do manage to capture the pack or get eaten.

Lots of love Jamesr, Do keep posting with all your news as thats one bit I really look forward to to reading of each ones battles, tears, happiness, and the Wins in the fight.

Lots of love,
Ananth

Hi Ananth
So pleased to hear that you are picking up again. I knew you wouldn't stay low for long. Just thinking about Hyderabad tomorow, I came across this wonde
erful article and comments about Sreethanth and his attitude. I don't think you can post live links here but if you are interested its on http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport click on cricket and then on cricket again. Enjoy.
Kind regards
James

Dear James,
I went into the link. I think there are a few things that should be clear. Pointing made some immature remarks on his arrival in India. We then have known the Aussies to be the best sledgers in the world ( McGarth was good! - Shane Warne better). I honestly think the Aussies go a bit too far and cross the line and thats when things happen. I see no reason for Zaheer walk up to Peterson (UK) and give him a piece of his mind when jelly beans are thrown on the pitch. I see no reason why McGarth has to tell Sachin should play him and I certainly do not see what most of the Aussies have to crib about.
To a very large extent - I am not in favor of Sreesnaths behaviour and he has been told off. The flip side is that he has managed to become a thorn in the Aussie psyche and got them really mad and this can result in loosing all concentration on the job on hand. Dhoni - is a good captain and is doing well to rope in everyone - to be agrresive without being repulsive. Gavasker and the other known players of yesteryears are not complaining about Sreesanths antics as they know how they felt when the Indians kept quiet and the Aussies did the sledging. Its funny how when one team does it - its bad for the game but when your rivals to its just a part of the game.
Lets see tomorrow - what it brings for us. I hope Sreesanth does keep his antics withen limits as I have a feeling if this carries on for a longer period - it will have repucussions later when India play in Australia.
What say?
Love,
Ananth

Oh No, Aussies have lost to India, Ananth what do you think???? Need I really ask! You will be feeling very happy at the moment while we all hang our heads in shame. I just wanted to let you know also Darrel and I have just returned from a Holiday around NSW and we went to the donald Bradman Museum, very interesting place to go to. Lots of memorabilla, stories, photos just wonderful, took a photo of hubby standing on the Don Bradman Oval, he will always treasure that. So I won't go on and on about the cricket there is really nothing to say but I know you will enjoy the moment and I did pray to have this result just for you.
Happy Days, Tracey

Hi Tracey
I wondered where you have been! Good to have you back.
Don't go telling Ananth you've arranged this win (our loss) for him!! He can move mountains all by himself.
Congratulations Ananth. Nice to see a win to India.
Deborah

My sweethearts Tracy and Deborah,

Tracey, you really can make a guy feel all emotional and so can Deborah and you'll mean a lot to me.
I really relished your posts and especially since this is the first time Australia has lost a match in four years. This means India is improving or else Australia is being over confident. I do not think this tour of India has been a very happy one for Pointing and his pack as he has found for the first time that it was not just he and his side who were good at sledging and India came on really hard on them. He looked miserable when he was given out at the stumping and kept his pads on and kept watching then replay hoping against hopes that all the umpires had made a mistake so he would have something to add at his after the match chat with the media. I am a very hard core fan of the Men in Blue but am not too convinced on the selectors. I think they are complete idiots - politicians who have never held a bat or a ball in their life!!! Just imagine wanting to drop Sachin, Sayrav and Rahul!!! The Indians would not have a chance to even think about beating the Aussies and their way of playing. Mathew Hayden and Symonds are the guys to look out for and Micheal Clarke ( the puppy) is also shaping up well. However they are slowly also coming to the problem India was facing of their age.
Boy - I should have gone to the Bradman Museum during my trips down under but then as usual it always happens when we think about going and then decide later and that later never comes. I am sure your hubby , Tracey must have been overawed at all the stuff in the museum. One thing though - It was an honor when he invited Sachin Tendulkar to his place as he felt that he was the only one who resembled his style of batting and thats not very far from the truth.

I have managed to watch some matches in Melbourne as I would mix business with pleasure. The business is a big pain as its not something to my liking but have no alternative but to have taken it on. I had no idea of shipping and my father in law ( a rich guy!!) decided to move his entire fleet of cargo ships and deep sea fishing trawlers to Australia. The only hitch was my dear brother in law was not interested in carrying on with the business at all and things were sliding with my pa in law getting older. It was then he asked me if I would help out and helping out has led to my running the entire business - though have transferred all into my wifes name. We have offices in Melbourne, Hong Kong and Singapore. I do not think I will be able to carry on much longer and so we are back to square one - find someone in the family to take over or sell it off. The only person who would be a candidate would be my eldest son but then he too is not old enough to take on so may resposibilities. The other option is that Sonya, my wife moves to Australia and decides to run the business as she is well aquainted with the same and wait till my son grows up a little more. Anyway - thats another topic.
The next match is going to be the decider and India are going in with a lot of confidence so lets see. My bets are as usual on the Men in Blue.

Take care my ladies and lots of love,
Ananth

Dear Ananth,
Yes I do hope India continues to do well for you. I don't know what is going on with our Aussie boys but sometimes we have to stand back and let someone else have a win!!!! LOL.
But we do have a problem, we lost the cricket to India, our Wallabies have come home after losing hanging their heads, so we Aussies have to pull our socks up again and get in there and fight.
If all goes well Darrel will be heading to New Zealand next March to play in the Golden Oldies Cricket Carnival which every 2 years they travel somewhere and meet teams from all over the world to play cricket, which happens to be Queenstown for them. Last year they went to a smaller carnival and played matches in Sri Lanka and had a wonderful time, we couldn't go to that one as our daughter was getting Married but all the team had a fabulous time. So cricket stays in the blood, I'm sure if Darrel could he would also play in a Golden Oldies Rugby League match but that is harder on the old bodies!!! I can hear Deborah now saying not that "Footy", they play it different where she lives!!
You sound busy with the decisions of the business you have to make, I'm sure you and your lovely wife will be guided in some way to make the right decisions as hard as this can be. Melbourne is one of our favourite Cities here to visit, we love going there and having a weekend away. Maybe your wife and eldest son can run the business between the 2 of them until he is older and more confident to handle things, with you guiding them now I'm sure they will learn to handle many things.
Anyway enough raving on for now, look forward in the coming Summer of cricket with you.
Tracey