The only thought which came along before the start of this test match was Sachin's century of centuries. Which is the reason why I was so excited to watch it live for it was being played in Mumbai itself.
The century did not happen, as he fell six runs short, but the whole experience was worth. I went there on the 3rd and 4th days of the riveting (which it turned out to be quite unexpectedly) 3rd test match between India and West Indies played from 22nd to 26th Nov 2011. Personally I would have loved if the match ended in an Indian win or a tie rather than a draw. Nevertheless, it was indeed one of the historic test matches which I was a part of as a spectator.
Now, as I am attempting a photo-blog, I'll be putting up some of the pics which me and my friend Mausam clicked during the match, and try to give an angle of view which is very different from what we see on TV.
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The umpires Tony Hill and Bruce Oxenford taking the field to call the start of play
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| Very Very Special Laxman walks in and with him the man who defines the mood of the country, with more than a billion expectations, Sachin Tendulkar. Photo Courtesy : Mausam Pattnaik |
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| The little master takes guard Photo Courtesy : Mausam Pattnaik |
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| Ravi Rampaul starts of with a bouncer Photo Courtesy : Mausam Pattnaik |
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| Laxman out first ball he faced. Walks in the future of Indian cricket Virat Kohli Photo Courtesy : Mausam Pattnaik |
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| The trademark straight drive. Looked in sublime touch as he carried on from the overnight individual score of 67 Photo Courtesy : Mausam Pattnaik |
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| Sachin seemed to be in a hurry, as the nation anticipated a century of centuries. With 33 more to get, he blasted 27 of just 19 balls including a six over the third man. Photo Courtesy : Mausam Pattnaik |
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| Alas! Sachin Tendulkar: Caught Sammy, Bowled Rampaul. 94 Distraught, Agony, Disbelief and Stunned silence. We could hear the West Indians celebrating Photo Courtesy : Mausam Pattnaik |
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| The genius walking back to the pavilion. The wait prolongs further. A proof that real life is no fairy tale Photo Courtesy : Mausam Pattnaik |
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| The whole stadium miss the "I was there when it happened moment" as Tendulkar departs so near yet so far of his century Photo Courtesy : Mausam Pattnaik |
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| West Indies- a sudden spring in the stride |
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| 'We want..Follow on' was the rallying cry in the stadium as the crowd actually cheered with every Indian wicket. They rooted for a follow on, so they could see Sachin bat again. Silly enough, but 'Sach' is the craziness and 'Sach' is life |
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| Captain Cool - MS Dhoni takes centre stage |
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| Virat and Dhoni at the drinks break Photo Courtesy : Mausam Pattnaik |
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| Dhoni doesn't last long as the West Indians start to believe that they can upset team India Photo Courtesy : Mausam Pattnaik |
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| Who would have expected, the centurion, the man of the match and the man of the series. R Ashwin Photo Courtesy : Mausam Pattnaik |
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| This is how we get to see live pictures worldwide Photo Courtesy : Mausam Pattnaik |
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| And that's me signing off Photo Courtesy : Mausam Pattnaik |
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