Although we moved to India when I was 3 years old, it was only when we moved to Delhi (when I was 10, until I was 17) that my passion for cricket grew. Initially, we lived over in Old Delhi, near Kashmere Gate, and then later in New Delhi, in Jangpura Extension, a stone’s throw from the quaintly named Eros Cinema. A delightful feature of living in Delhi at that time was that a public maidan, a small fenced-space in the midst of the houses, was never too far away. Playing cricket on the maidan (and on the flat roof above our second story apartment, near the barsati) with my friends preoccupied me for hours.
These memories flood back to me because in the 6osec between-overs in the current coverage, they are playing advertisements from Dream11, a ‘fantasy cricket’ game. While I have a policy of not playing fantasy-sports as I find it feeds a sports-idolatry in me, I have loved these Dream11 clips. Their little stories take place in exactly the same sorts of settings where we used to play as kids in Delhi. They are just 30-40 seconds each – enjoy…
Ahh, writing about cricket – it is so relaxing.
About Me
the art of unpacking
After a childhood in India, a theological training in the USA and a pastoral ministry in Southland (New Zealand), I spent twenty years in theological education in New Zealand — first at Laidlaw College and then at Carey Baptist College, where I served as principal. In 2009 I began working with Langham Partnership and since 2013 I have been the Programme Director (Langham Preaching). Through it all I've cherished the experience of the 'gracious hand of God upon me' and I've relished the opportunity to 'unpack', or exegete, all that I encounter in my walk through life with Jesus.
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A lovely post Paul. Keep writing about cricket!
Those ads were great, made me even want to find out more about Dream 11….!
And that final World Cup ad – well, it's delightful, even if I didn't know what those gentlemen were singing about!!
I hope the 3 day of the Chch test assuaged your fears about the ability of the NZ men's test team. I'm sure that in India the team will be vilified, but, having been at days 1 and 2 (and listening on the radio on day 3!) yes, India played rash shots, but NZ simply outplayed India, especially Jamieson (former Lincoln Uni student!), Latham & the fabulous Boult & Southee.
Sorry Paul, I should say who's commenting! Tim Hodge, fellow cricket lover.
Did you know cricket is the only sport in the Bible? Acts 2:14 'Peter stood up to the eleven and was bold' 🙂 🙂
Good to hear from you, Tim
A Hagley Date needs to be added to the schedule … and maybe we could throw in a Basin Reserve one, a Seddon Park one … goodness me, we could go on tour together?!
Paul