The lull before a looming storm

Is this real or what? I wander around, and wonder. Here, in Jamaica8217;s Montego Bay, in the country of cruise ships, white tourists and stunningly scenic golf courses, India8217;s superstar cricketers seem to be on another planet.

Not that they are complaining. Sreesanth is tucked up in bed, catching up on the 50-odd DVDs that he has carried along. It8217;s early dinner for Harbhajan Singh and Zaheer Khan 8212; and Yuvraj Singh, probably the hottest GenNext star of them all, is catching up with some friends at the poolside.

Even coach Greg Chappell is having a little party of his own, just a short hop away, with some Indian associates from the USA. Mrs Chappell joins the group, the smiles spread. One table away, match referees Jeff Crowe and Chris Broad get together 8212; a rare opportunity, because they are usually continents away from each other, riding a packed cricket schedule. There8217;s Brian Lara sauntering in, stopping to have a quiet word with a beautiful lady, then waving a quick goodbye.

On the other side, an interesting scene unfolds. It8217;s former West Indian captain Clive Lloyd, with the man who made all the headlines last month in India: Marlon Samuels. It8217;s a serious conversation. What8217;s up? Is it Nagpur, or is it just the warm-up match against India? Lloyd is doing all the talking and 8216;Sammy8217;, the local hero once again after his century against Kenya in a warm-up match, simply nods his head.

On the surface, it8217;s a quiet evening, a normal day in the world of international cricket. But yes, holed up in a distant corner, waiting for the World Cup to begin, the warm-up games playing on their minds, you can sense the simmering tension behind it all.

The Indian stars are obviously pleased with the break, even if the BCCI refused to let some of them bring their wives along this time. At least they don8217;t have to be glued to the mobile phone, obliging friends, fans and sponsors.

But the coaching staff is a bit worried. This eerie lull reminds them of that 11-day Diwali break in the middle of the Champions Trophy that they believe destroyed the team8217;s rhythm, that disrupted the 8220;momentum8221;. There8217;s another nine-day gap coming up between the group matches and the super eight games, and they are working on team activities that will keep the 8220;guys8221; engaged.

No worries for the West Indians though 8212; they slip out into the bright Jamaican night, in ones and twos. Match against India? No problem, maan.