Keith said, “Yet you brown sabibs still copped a flogging in the series and silently slunk away with the tail between chastened legs.”

I know Irfan was a bit off the mark, but let’s try and get things into perspective.

A flogging?

If I remember correctly, the fifth Test in Sydney, despite some good cricket on the field, was overall an embarrassment for the sport. The match was decided more by strange umpiring decisions than by Ponting’s decision to throw the ball to the Aussie’s number 1 spinner, Michael Clarke.

After that, the Indians regrouped, won the next test, stopped Australia from winning any more (remembering that dead rubbers in Test matches only exist in the minds of Australians), and cleaned up in the One Day finals. Slinking off with their tail between their legs could be a better description for the Aussies; their image as sportsmen questioned by many within our own country.

Regarding 20/20, the few hours of it that I’ve seen were great. Test cricket, is of course, the great test, but if you’ve only got a few hours to spare, then why not?

Cricket is a competition between bat and ball. You get plenty of that in 20/20, as well as a promised quick result, a few thrills and spills, and I also saw some acts of sportsmanship.

By what Irfan said, I would question his eyesight, or perhaps how qualified he is to write on the subject. I saw cheerleaders of differing colours and shades, and also some men doing the cheerleading.

Irfan,
Good to see article from you and I enjoyed your shot at us. I think the underarm bowling incident was the most embarrassing thing we have endured. Am still ashamed and chappel is still not forgived.

As for the cheerleaders, I enjoy young shapely female bodies and don't care what skin tone they are. Am sure there are plenty of Indian girls that would look just as attractive.

The 20/20 is another dimension to the game and I hope it does well.

Haven't seen a great deal yet, but has to be better than most American crap.