Dressed in national colours with flags fluttering from their cars, boisterous Pakistan fans arrived in the city in large numbers in the past 24 hours. But the Indian fans were not entirely absent. It's true many cancelled their flights and hotel reservations. But some -- ranging from Kota to Kolkata -- didn't.
Speaking with them it is obvious that they are still hurting. I channel my inner Sri Sri and tell one such family, "Whatever has happened has happened. Let us live in the present and enjoy the final." "I agree with what you are saying," he replies, "But dil hai ke maanta nahi."
Not Just Cricket: Melbourne doesn't just host cricket. It is a historic venue for other sports too, notably Australian Rules Football. A plaque outside the venue says that the first match of Australian football was played here on August 7, 1858, at a time when the great Sepoy Revolt happened back in India. There are several statues celebrating sportspersons from various disciplines. Leg spinner Shane Warne, fast bowler Dennis Lillee and batsman Bill Ponsford find prominent space. So does sprinter Betty Cuthbert, who claimed three gold medals in 1956 Melbourne Olympics and Ron Barassi, a renowned Australian Rules player and coach.
Remembering 1956 Olympics: The 1956 Melbourne Olympics too is remembered at the MCG, A plaque commemorates the 16th Olympics with the name of every member of the organising committee. Who was the patron of the Games? Her Majesty the Queen. India won the hockey gold here but created a larger stir defeating the hosts 4-2 in football to enter the semi-finals. Neville D Souza, the nippy and opportunistic striker, scored a hat-trick. How times have changed! Ten days later, Australia will take on world champions France at the World Cup in Qatar. India currently stands at a lowly 106.
Border Talks: I spot Allan Border at the reception of the Pullman Hotel. He is fiddling with his mobile phone. I had heard stories about his grumpiness and gingerly walk up to him and ask, "Mr Border?" He offers a pleasant hello. I tell him that he was instrumental in bringing Australian cricket back to its glory days beginning with the unexpected 1987 ODI World Cup triumph at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. "Yes, but with the help of several others," he replies modestly.
(The reporter is in Australia at the invitation of booking.com)
