The Vijay and Bolly show
It isn't easy getting into the stadium but once he's in, this Rajasthan fan enjoys the run-fest, and a very cool catch by Bollinger
Ramji Mani
04-Apr-2010
Doug Bollinger: Is he in or out? • Indian Premier League
The game
My son and I are Shane Warne fans and I believe Twenty20 is a game of strategy. Who better than Warne for strategy? So I was supporting the Rajasthan Royals in this game, and I expected them to win.
My son and I are Shane Warne fans and I believe Twenty20 is a game of strategy. Who better than Warne for strategy? So I was supporting the Rajasthan Royals in this game, and I expected them to win.
Key performer
On a day when it rained sixes, it was Doug Bollinger for his 2 for 15. MS Dhoni's decision to send Albie Morkel in at No. 4 - over himself and S Badrinath - also worked well. Morkel took some time to get off the mark but then went on to add 152 with M Vijay.
On a day when it rained sixes, it was Doug Bollinger for his 2 for 15. MS Dhoni's decision to send Albie Morkel in at No. 4 - over himself and S Badrinath - also worked well. Morkel took some time to get off the mark but then went on to add 152 with M Vijay.
One thing I'd have changed
It would have been better as an evening match, as the breeze that comes into Chepauk gives the bowlers something to work with.
It would have been better as an evening match, as the breeze that comes into Chepauk gives the bowlers something to work with.
Face-off I relished
Muttiah Muralitharan v Shane Watson. Watson won hands down, clouting Murali for three sixes over midwicket in his third over.
Muttiah Muralitharan v Shane Watson. Watson won hands down, clouting Murali for three sixes over midwicket in his third over.
Wow moment
Bollinger's catch to get rid of Yusuf Pathan: standing at the edge of the long-on boundary, he stretched back, found himself losing balance, caught the ball, threw it back into the field, went beyond the rope, and jumped back in to catch it a second time.
Bollinger's catch to get rid of Yusuf Pathan: standing at the edge of the long-on boundary, he stretched back, found himself losing balance, caught the ball, threw it back into the field, went beyond the rope, and jumped back in to catch it a second time.
Boo boo of the day
Watson's wild throw from midwicket missed the bowler's end completely and went for four overthrows.
Watson's wild throw from midwicket missed the bowler's end completely and went for four overthrows.
Accessories
I took along a whistle and a horn to make noise with every time the ball crossed the ropes, which was many times today.
I took along a whistle and a horn to make noise with every time the ball crossed the ropes, which was many times today.
Shot of the day
Two consecutive drives along the ground from Watson off Morkel.
Two consecutive drives along the ground from Watson off Morkel.
Crowd meter
We were sitting in Stand A, which was packed with Chennai supporters. The crowd, mostly full of young people, was chanting "We want six." And a young man was getting the crowd to imitate the dance moves of the Rajasthan cheerleaders. Dougie got the loudest cheers whenever he came on to bowl.
We were sitting in Stand A, which was packed with Chennai supporters. The crowd, mostly full of young people, was chanting "We want six." And a young man was getting the crowd to imitate the dance moves of the Rajasthan cheerleaders. Dougie got the loudest cheers whenever he came on to bowl.
Hardship factor
There were no helpful directions on how to get to the stadium, after roads were cordoned off to allow match traffic. We entered the stadium through a small hole-in-the-wall turnstile. Those who had bags had to collect them from the security staff at the end of the game and exit through another hole-in-the-wall turnstile. We weren't allowed to carry any food or water into the ground and the bottled water sold at the counters was priced very high and sold without caps. The food queues were also very long. There were a number of restrooms, and while they were clean, there wasn't enough water.
There were no helpful directions on how to get to the stadium, after roads were cordoned off to allow match traffic. We entered the stadium through a small hole-in-the-wall turnstile. Those who had bags had to collect them from the security staff at the end of the game and exit through another hole-in-the-wall turnstile. We weren't allowed to carry any food or water into the ground and the bottled water sold at the counters was priced very high and sold without caps. The food queues were also very long. There were a number of restrooms, and while they were clean, there wasn't enough water.
Twenty20 v ODIs
I prefer a Twenty20 since it is wrapped up inside four hours. It combines entertainment with strategy and brings innovation into the game.
I prefer a Twenty20 since it is wrapped up inside four hours. It combines entertainment with strategy and brings innovation into the game.
Banner of the day
"Get rid of your HaydenAche, apply Tiger Balm to the ball".
"Get rid of your HaydenAche, apply Tiger Balm to the ball".
TV or stadium?
I prefer the stadium but it can be better organised and be more children-friendly. If they charge so much for tickets, the least they can do is give us some amenities. The IPL should learn crowd- and people management from Cricket Australia and the England board.
I prefer the stadium but it can be better organised and be more children-friendly. If they charge so much for tickets, the least they can do is give us some amenities. The IPL should learn crowd- and people management from Cricket Australia and the England board.
Marks out of 10
9.5. I subtract 0.5 only because the team I supported lost.
9.5. I subtract 0.5 only because the team I supported lost.
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