India v South Africa at the MCG: Ind - i - a Zin - da - bad!

I strangely neglected to bring a camera to what was an exceptionally colourful day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and my first cricket match since moving to this cricket-happy continent nine years ago. Nearly 87,000 people packed the MCG on a hot Sunday in February to see India take on South Africa in an early round of the 2015 Cricket World Cup. Both teams were evenly matched though the 'Saffers' were favoured to win. You couldn't have convinced the men, women and children who comprised at least 90% of the crowd that India wasn't destined to win on this day, however. India's diaspora did their nation proud waving flags, chanting slogans, banging dhols and cheering wildly at every Indian run, catch and bowl. I'm an American and therefore genetically wired to loathe cricket but it's a fascinating game to watch in person, especially in a stadium roaring with smart, sober and vociferous fans. The 8-hour 'one-dayer' was won by India 307-177 in a blowout.

Bahut acha.

Game summaries and statistical breakdowns of the match can't compare to the effectiveness of these two photos at revealing the day's events: Our favourite Saffer Hayley with Aradhna early in the afternoon ...

... and much later in the day. Sorry, Hales.