Monday, Jun 12, 2017

Birmingham: The shadow of the terror attacks in England hasn’t faded as the ICC Champions Trophy entered it’s final week.

Armed policemen are seen keeping a watchful eye all around. Travelling by train from Birmingham airport to my hotel, it was a bit strange to see policemen manning the station, unlike in the past.

Pedestrian crossings were especially guarded since people gather there frequently before crossing.

Despite the air of caution around, there is cheer for people here since England has reached the semi-finals in the ICC tournament.

Though the fear factor hasn’t faded away, the enthusiasm to celebrate their success in cricket still remains.

As soon as India beat South Africa, some Indian fans in Team India’s blue jersey were also seen celebrating the win.

However, what most people want is an England victory. Ben Stokes is the talk of the city, and a hero of the team.

After his century that ended Australia’s campaign in this tournament, he is hailed as the finest cricketer in England today.

Youngsters adore him for his fitness.

At Edgbaston where I went to collect my tournament accreditation, I met a resident of Birmingham, Edwin Joseph, who makes sure to watch all matches here.

Speaking highly about Stokes’ innings, he said: “No wonder India produces a lot of talent. They know who is good and worthy.”

He was referring to the Indian Premier League that paid Stokes the highest amount for an overseas player this season.

In fact, Stokes acknowledgement of IPL playing a role behind his success has been highlighted by almost all newspapers here.

Listening to fans talk about cricketers is always interesting.

Very often they throw more insight into a player, and that has often helped me check for the veracity of some facts.

People who idolise a player will always know almost everything about him.

“Doesn’t he look like a rugby player? Given his strength, I think he would have made a good rugby player,” said a fan, who pointed out that Stokes’ father, Gerard, was a fine rugby player and coach.

Stokes was also born in New Zealand where rugby is more popular than cricket.

Had he not come to England at the age of 12 and taken up cricket, probably he too would have been a good rugby player.

Stokes is also being talked about as a player of the new generation where strength has equal and, if not, more importance than technique.

Stokes has hit the fastest double century by an Englishman in Tests and holds the record for the most runs scored by an individual batsman in a morning session.

Discussion is also going on among the fans on how rain has disturbed the tournament this time.

At Edgbaston, the temperature was around 10 degrees and it also drizzled off and on.

With the India-Bangladesh semi-final scheduled to be held here on Thursday, excitement is already building up among the expats of the two subcontinental neighbours.

By K.R. Nayar Chief Cricket Writer

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