India vs Australia diary: Of missing trainer, funny keeper and a tough cop
Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin has had enough of those 'High-Fives' after a fall of wicket. The gritty New South Wales glovesman learnt it hard way when he was involved in a freak accident with a jubilant James Faulkner's finger brushing his eye which led to leave the field for quite some time.
The BCCI is not known for giving reasons for decisions it takes and therefore it was not surprising that no one knows as to why Indian cricket team's long time trainer Ramji Srinivasan is no longer with the side.
Ramji has been a part of World Cup and Champions Trophy winning team support staff. He has now been replaced by strength and conditioning specialist Sudarshan VP, who has worked with U-19 World Cup winning team as well as India A side.
Sudarshan's appointment is also an indirect entry of an official connected with the North-East into senior national cricket team. A Keralite by birth, Sudarshan is a member of the Sikkim Cricket Association which is an associate member of the BCCI.
No more High Fives for Haddin:
Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin has had enough of those 'High-Fives' after a fall of wicket. The gritty New South Wales glovesman learnt it hard way when he was involved in a freak accident with a jubilant James Faulkner's finger brushing his eye which led to leave the field for quite some time.
"I have not been speaking to Faulkner for last three days!" Haddin answered with a straight face to a question about the pacer's inputs on Sawai Mansingh track as all present had a good laugh.
About High Fives, he gave another poker faced replies, "We have decided we will only indulge in customary handshakes or at the most bum-slaps to congratulate each other."
Khiladiyon ka Khiladi:
If you are covering cricket in India, it's highly unlikely that you would not bump into a tough policeman, who would be uncompromising and asking various questions ranging from logic behind carrying a laptop for matches to why one has not got his accreditation cards. The cop who was manning the players' practice arena here was a tough man, who would not even allow anyone to collect their passes. Guess what his name was: Sub-Inspector Ram Khiladi.
Celebration time for Mohammed Shami:
It's not known whether Bengal pacer Mohammed Shami will get a chance in the India playing XI tomorrow but he is in festive spirits as he plans to celebrate Eid-ul-Joha festival tomorrow with his cousin.
"I will get out of the hotel at around 8:30 am to offer namaaz and get back to hotel by 10am. It will also be a chance to meet my cousin sister who is settled over here," said Shami.