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Journalism of Courage
In the Twenty20 era,cricket is prone to acute anxieties,mostly about the viability of its longer formats. As the recent Ashes and India-South Africa Test series attest,those anxieties may be overdone when the contest is keen and the talent sound,the five-day version can be said to be in good health. The debate about the future of the one-day format may,however,be a more open one. And with the World Cup just weeks away,be sure that there will be ample readings about the 50-over game. Yet,as crickets biggest show comes to the subcontinent,the sport will also showcase its distinct engagement with venues.
Place matters to a cricket match in more ways than just playing conditions,and the history of a stadium inevitably exerts its shadow on the match summary. To be a cricket fan is to be familiar with the specifics of major venues. Therefore,its a little disappointing that a key World Cup match India-England has been confiscated from Kolkatas Eden Gardens for delays in getting its renovation completed in time. Eden Gardens has a long history of great matches the India-Australia Test of 2001,when the hosts won after being made to follow on and discerning,enthusiastic spectators. To settle down to a game of cricket amidst the roar of almost a lakh people roaring their enthusiasm and disappointments is a routine every cricketer,and even viewer,prepares for beforehand.
