World Cup 2011 Photos

Non-uniform jerseys

March 15, 2011 15:27

Jerseys dont script victories. But soemthing about them evokes patriotism that reaches jingoistic levels. NDTV takes a look at the transitions of whites to hues of blues, yellows, reds amongst many others.

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Jerseys dont script victories. But soemthing about them evokes patriotism that reaches jingoistic levels. NDTV takes a look at the transitions of whites to hues of blues, yellows, reds amongst many others.
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There was a time when white epitomised cricket. Trademark of Test cricket, it was but obvious that it would transgress into limited overs cricket as well, once it began. Four World Cup's were played with every team sporting white jerseys, giving a sense of crisp 'n' clean image to cricket.
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The advent of colour however, did not take away that image from cricket. In fact, a sense of identification became apparent in a series that had many other firsts as well including white ball and matches under floodlights.
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Blue was India's first tryst with colour in cricketing world. Not suprising then that the current lot is called men in blue although the shades, texture, style, logo and of course the sponsors, have changed drastically. The same holds true for most other teams.
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A light shade of green identified Pakistan in the initial years. Perhaps colour was auspicious for the team then or maybe it was just brilliant cricket as the team lifted the trophy in the tournament that brought in coloured jerseys.
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Not many gave the Lankans much credit in the same tournament. But unlike India, their shade of blue has deepened with years and the current brand of cricketers have a yellow strip (that signifies the sun, according to some) instead of the plain shade seen here on Asanka Gurusinha.
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The other country to sport blue was the traditional expats of the sport itself. England sported a sky blue shade and as a female cricket fan reportedly put it while describing Ian Botham: If his bowling doesnt win us matches, his blues on that physique will at least win us hearts." Engaland lost to Pakistan in the World Cup final.
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Other teams like the West Indies, South Africa and New Zealand chose different hues. Interestingly, New Zealand chose grey initially despite being known in the sporting circles as the Black caps. Martin Crowe's side promised a lot on the field nonetheless but could only make it as far as the semi-final.
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The current lot of cricketers have their style quotient in mind as much as their fitness. This however has little to do with the technology being put into their uniforms. Right from sweat absorbtion to climate adjusting and fit-right features, the change has been mammoth. And it's not all gimmick. Experts in the game actually do vouch for them as do cricketers who done them. Success though, continues to be with the team that plays the best.

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