Great day for sports

Off late, there are multiple memorable events that happen across the sporting fraternity. Interestingly the frequency of such astounding feats seems to have increased all of a sudden. Last week saw the rise of P.V Sindhu and her vikramaadithya attempt to vanquish the vedhalam tag of “forever the friend of bride” coming up trumps. In fact, considering that she has made it to the world championship finals, 4 times previously should’ve made her a hot favorite. But like CSK of IPL whose name is prewritten on the final 4 list even before the itinerary is written, that Sindhu would make it to a shuttle final was a given. But whether she would ever be able come back with the silverware that would be gold, was under much debate, for she had this stumble at the final lap happening across several tourneys now. All those have been to set to rest and 5th time proved lucky. The phenomenal achievement can only be realized when one compares her feat with her illustrious Indian peers. NO ONE else, even has a single final appearance to show!!!! That includes several biggies like Nehwal, Gopi and even the great Prakash. Truly living up to the name of “Thanga magal”.
If at all there are teams that I hate to watch, they would be England and Aussies. Between them, the best result for me would be a dull and drab draw for I could support either of them to win, even if played within themselves. My prejudice for Aussies stems from their age old arrogance and English, for some reason, I could never even consider as a team for a really long time. Till the Irish man took over the reins and made them who they are now. But this 3rd match of the present Ashes series, would’ve made millionaires out of anyone who would’ve betted on an English win. Such was the ease with which they were swatted out of contention in their first innings that, it was set on stone that the Urn would be making its trip down under. Despite Archer’s bodyline inspired “head hunting” efforts, English still had a mountain to climb in 4th innings and 350+ chase where never heard of before. With the last wicket pair left to score 80 runs and having a day and half to hunt them down, probably, the Aussies let their guards down a bit. Usually, you stoke the fire to get ashes. Here Stokes was on fire and ensured, England still had a fighting chance to win the Ashes!! Such belligerence is rarely witnessed on test arena. He single handedly scored almost 99% of the runs required with the last wicket pair and ensured his century as well in the process. This man, off late, has become the go-to person for team England, be it on ODI’s and now on Test matches as well. He is probably the best all-rounder in the world at the moment, right on track to emulate Kallis. Since he is literally two players rolled in one, any team would give their arm and leg to have him on their rolls. Archer probably would start bringing out the fear of getting really hurt on batsmen mind. If he can fell Smith, the greatest fighter test batsman of this era, he can knock out anyone. With grudging acknowledgement, credit having must been given where it is due, Aussies have amazing reserves of mental strength and their biggest plus is their collective belief system. Anyone who comes in new, seems to adapt to this culture of celebrating everyone elses achievement and when the chips are down, you can surely count on any playing eleven of the Aussies to resist. No team, ever, in my cricket watching memory, comes close to this “collectively they win” attitude and group of individuals with amazing mental strength. Proteas, despite their suggestive name, are nowhere near the aussie league. One team, that I can vouch for, as a close second would be the kiwis. Must be, something to do with the waters of the continent down under.