Andrew Symonds is AWESOME…

Yesterday afternoon I had the privilege to enjoy my Sunday by watching a cricket matches after ages. Although India did not win, I still had a good time. For starters, Andrew Symonds (Symmo) was DAMN GOOD. His innings was picture perfect and a lesson in how to pace your innings in India. That guy has BRUTE power, AWESOME timing, is a more than handy batsman and BLOODY HELL a BRILLIANT fielder. That’s what you call a complete package for ODI’s and now T20 cricket. Anyone who saw his six over long on off Murali Kartik (who had his tail up, after a superb opening spell) has to admire the guy. It was an effortless shot that landed on top of the stadium roof and the ball eventually rolled out of the ground. That HAS to demoralize the bowler. Poor Kartik, I felt for him, trying to make a comeback. Another shot was the one with which he reached his century. That was CLASS. The glide would have made even Sachin proud. What stood out about these two shots was the timing and grace. They were effortless shots. Knowing the kind of brute power Symmo can generate, it came as a surprise. I have seen him take on Shoab Akhter, consistently bowling at over 90 mph. That was a SIGHT. He swatted Akhter over the midwicket fence and into the stands without any semblance of timing. That too, at the MCG. It was a HUGE hit. He did it thrice to Akhter. It was brilliant.

Another instance that comes into mind is during the 1999 World Cup. A lot has been said about his 143 not out which led to an Aussie victory. But the best part of the innings was towards the end when he took on Waqar Younis. It was the end of the innings and he was hitting the bowl to all parts. Then, Waqar came and bowled a beamer for which he apologized immediately with a big grin on his face. Symmo was obviously not impressed!!! The next ball was followed by a short ball with Waqar saying quite a lot to the batsman. You could make out Symmo was getting worked up. Watching it live, I thought to myself, he is gonna get out. Next ball, another beamer. Symmo ducked out in the nick of time. He immediately got up and started charging over to Waqar with a look that said he is going to bash him up. He was all set to carry out this noble deed (I am sure loads of people would have been happy) but the umpire and the non striker intervened and saved Waqar. I thought that the Pakistan captain should step in and then realized Waqar was himself the captain!!!! Anyways the matter was sorted amicably and Mr. Symonds response was to hit Waqar for two consecutive sixes after that. Thank god that was the end of Waqar’s spell!!!

And Mr. Symonds kee fielding ke to kya kehne. He has to be the BEST all round fielder I have ever seen. His fielding in the circle is too good, his catching is brilliant, his throws from the deep are superb and overall he is a MIND BLOWING fielder. You would have realized by now that I am a BIG Symonds fan.

Another heartning thing about yesterdays match was Utthappa’s innings. That guy is GOOD. He has the right attitude. I am convinced; that he along with Yuvraj will form the backbone of India’s batting in the years to come. I guess I am sounding like one of those old cricket commentators. But I LOVE watching cricket and I can’t help passing comments like any other genuine cricket lover!!! At least I do not BUG/BORE people by telling them stories, you have the discretion to read it if you want to… chowwwwwwwww guys…