I’m pleased on the whole that Australia won rather than India, though I’m usually quite happy to see the Aussie get a pasting. Reason being that the locals at games in India seem to be fans of India rather than of cricket. Near-hysterical when their team is doing well, silent when there’s decent play from the other team. Head’s brilliant World Cup-winning century yesterday greeted with near silence. I know that kind of behaviour’s standard in football and in all the years I’ve been going to Elland Road the only goal by another team I can remember applauding was the Roy Wegerle one. But cricket has always been different and go to Headingley, MCG, Port of Spain or wherever and most of the local fans will acknowledge and be enthused by good performances from visiting players and teams. Not so for the mass of supporters at the grounds in India. Cricket there and BJP nationalism seem to be very closely intertwined.
Anyway mention of quiet Indian crowds gives me an excuse to post this, from Kolkata in 1999. Maybe the single best thing on YouTube: