Fluke Alikes

The Barmy Army in the stands was unsure how to react when Stuart Broad took the final wicket.

World View
Eng matches health risk
The Barmy Army in the stands was unsure how to react when Stuart Broad took the final wicket. Most embraced each other and jumped for joy,but many others exhausted after Englands earlier exploits in this World Cup could do little more than roll their eyes as if to say,I cant believe our boys have put us through this again.

But remarkably,all of Englands games have been very tight affairs. This is great for the World Cup as a competition and wonderful for neutral supporters,but for the English fans its a real strain on the heart,and judging by the physiques of many in the Barmy Army,thats the last thing they need.

But these supporters,and cricket fans in general,should be grateful to the England team for the excitement it has brought to this World Cup. These tight games have breathed life into the opening round of the tournament,and the fans can accept that,even if their hearts,finger nails and medical bills dont.

Being an England fan at this World Cup should come with a warning. Perhaps tickets to England games could carry words of caution,like on cigarette packets. Watching England Kills, might be a bit strong,though something like Watching England is bad for your health could work.

WILL DAVIES,WALL STREET JOURNAL BLOG

Voice Box
SA no chokers: Smith
Chennai: South African captain Graeme Smith is in no mood to accept that his side choked against England and on Monday backed the team to bounce back in the World Cup.

I believe in this team8230;we have the opportunity to shape today amp; tomorrow and we will be there when it counts. Thanx to our loyal supporters, Smith wrote on the microblogging site,Twitter.

One thing is for sure 8230; Im not gonna admit to peoples agendas 8230; this team has something, he wrote.

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Irish cricketers bats stolen
Bangalore: A sportskit containing six bats of Ireland cricket team member was found stolen after their World Cup Group B match against India,police said. Irish cricketer Allen O Brien has filed a complaint with police and an investigation is on,police said. The cricketer said he asked the ground staff to load two of his bags onto the bus,but found one of the bags with the bats missing on reaching the hotel.

The case is being investigated and we hope to trace the bag soon, Deputy Commissioner of Police Central Division G Ramesh said.