Sports : life magnified

England’s tour to India was always going to be a big series. England, coming off a series loss in Pakistan, had it all to prove in India. A Test team has to show that it can compete in all conditions and circumstances – then, and only then can it be recognized as one of the better teams of an era. India, having just lost the series in Pakistan, needed to set things straight - mouth watering prospect for a cricket fan.

Then Ashley Giles, England’s number one spinner, gets injured. Marcus Trescothick withdraws for personal reasons, Michael Vaughan, England’s inspirational captain, gets injured and finally Simon Jones, vital in the scheme of things in the subcontinent, decides to join the injury brigade.

So England’s pace attack is left with Steve Harmison (who hasn’t been as effective off late) and Matthew Hoggard (who relies on movement and wasn’t going to be the most important player in the subcontinent anyway). James Anderson, Liam Plunkett, Shaun Udal, Monty Panesar and Ian Blackwell aren’t exactly expected to set the world on fire in India. How will England then get 20 Indian wickets? It is certainly an uphill task.

A win looks improbable then. How about a draw? The English openers are likely to be Andrew Strauss (in poor form) and Alastair Cook (making his Test debut and again, not expected to set the world on fire). Kevin Pietersen still has a lot to prove. Owais Shah or Paul Collingwood (whoever is selected) do not compare to the Indian batsmen. England would have to rely on Ian Bell and some heroics from Andrew Flintoff. The more you look at the English squad, the more you realize how weak it is. (more…)

I had spoken regarding the bright future ahead for Barcelona last year some time after they had won their first Spanish la liga under Rijkaard.

The official FCB site says:

Barça are as regular this season as they were in their 2004-05 championship winning season. They have the same number of points as they did after the same number of matches last season, and are also eight points clear of the second placed team.

Add to the fact that fact that Ronaldinho and Larsson are scoring more goals. Larsson, a Swedish and Celtic legend has to fight for his place. Messi is creating the early waves. Maradona has already called Messi his successor.

The players are happy at the club and no one is talking about leaving or making uneasy sounds. They are signing big long term contracts, a process which has continued from last year and are generally happy at the club. Marquez said this on his position with the club:

Things are going very well. The team has, once again, the dynamics to fight and win more trophies and I help that we will be celebrating at the end of the season with our fans. For me, it is also important to keep growing as a player. I feel very comfortable at Barcelona and my target is to stay here for many years to come.

Cable and thus the sports channels have returned to my life. I will catch as much of FCB as I can. I have watched Barcelona build despite the criticisms under Rijkaard. I feel attached and a natural supporter having seen them grow. This is just the beginning.