Kricket, Krumpets & High Tea

On a recent sunny weekend afternoon, I had the chance to try my hand at Cricket, that so-called great English gentleman's sport. Now, I must confess, I have never showed much interest in said hobby, for I think it hardly appropriate for proper gentlemen to run after a small in-animate object, sweaty and all. Unlike fox-hunting, now there's a Gentleman's Sport! But I digress...
I ventured down to Brooklyn's Prospect Park, famous in these parts as B's own Central Park. There I met with my friends, who were having a break between Kricket excercises. As for the picuenicue, I had packed with a bottle of Iced Tea and some crumpets. My hosts, however, due to most unfortunate of circumstances and absent-mindnesness, had forgotten to take along any such provisions, save for water.
Anyway, after pleasantly conversing & catching up for a while, the lot moved down to the small make-shift Kricky field. I shall not elaborate on the physical properties of such a field here, as I am certain most of you have a rudimentary grasp of the dimensions etc.
I wanted to try batting. The bat is quite flat and big, but light. The 'bowler' throws the ball from about 15-20 yards away, trying to bounce it off the ground. Now I must say that the hitting of the ball was much easier than I had expected! I managed to hit about 3 out of 4 of thrown balls. I seem to be what they call a 'lefty', which apparently 'makes it more interesting'.

Mr. Ari swinging, Mr. Babu catching

I then, naturally, wanted to try throwing the ball, i.e. 'bowling'. This was much harder than previously imagined! The bowler generally takes a few running steps, and tries to bounce the ball a few yards in front of the batter, and hit the wickets behind said batter, rather than his bat. Now, I know that sounds easy. But the bowler must throw the ball with 'locked' elbow over his head. This was the hard part. If you can not use your elbow in a throw, the accuracy and distance drop significantly. I had to concentrate in just locking my elbow, so I was not able to do the running start, and ended up doing a wobbly rocky side-to-side step while extending my arm over my head.


Mr. Kiran demonstrating the proper bowling technique

Besides the batters and bowlers, there are a number of catchers on field. Now, unlike in the Colonial Baseball, the ball may be hit in 360 degrees by the batter, leaving it up to the catchers to catch it.This will buy the two batters time to switch places & thus score.



The hosts, Mr. Kiran & Ms. Tiia ready for action

Over all, I had a good time. I now understand this great sport slightly better. I might even try it again. But I must make sure my hosts will have proper piquenique amenities next time!

Paddlewick, esq. LIC NYC