Bazball in India

        Well, Mr. Modi has a sports problem with--------the UK/ Great Britain/Colonizer/ ex-Raj perp/ railroad builder,etc. India has many sports fans and many sports participants. In many sports to be true, but above all cricket. It's a version of what Americans call baseball. Throw ball; hit ball; run; score points; win. Simple. But, not so simple.

        Unless an American lives in a community with a number of locals with sub-continent roots, the national sport  of India gets little play and even less respect. It has not been able to "catch" on in the States as homegrown sportsmen and women prefer to whack the horsehide on the green grass-covered pitch or diamond as it is called(really square). The Mayor played many years in his youth, coached by Dad at one time, and by dedicated baseball Dads with some time to spare in the afternoon(night workers, produce workers,etc). While not sure if Lefty O'Doul ever made it to India, we do know he introduced Japan to the sport after WWII. It has been a thriving success there and has sent more than a few stars to the MLB in the US. And so, cricket remains big in India and in the UK and I presume in Pakistan. So, last week an earthshaking contest had an unexpected outcome: the team from the UK trounced the home team in India. Again: the team from the UK trounced the Indian team.

      No, that has to be a falsehood; fake news; lies; misprints; AI-generated fantasy. No, no, no. Truth. The facts are just that: facts. the UK team beat India in 4 days(cricket takes longer and goes on for days before a victor emerges). How did this happen?   Hmmmmmm. Here in the US, we call it "Billy Ball". The numbers crunchers have taken over. Stats. Stats.Stats. Data,data,data. Results, results,results. All equals victorious outcomes. It happened in India. Oh, yes, Mr. Modi, this will add to your political problems. The results will reverberate for years. A complete reevaluation of  strategy is in the offing. Analysis, analytics, AI, supercomputers, planning, heads rolling; funds pumped up and funds depleted. Who's to blame? Blame them all, blame nobody; fire the coaches and retire the old dependables. This cannot continue. The challenge must be confronted on every level. Our dignity is on the line. Repel the invader/colonizers. Can you imagine what would happen if a Japanese team won the World Series in NYC? The same will happen now in India. Batten down the hatches; prepare for stormy weather/typhoons/hurricanes/tornadoes,etc.

    Ollie Pope: the scourge of India. scored 196 runs, one of the greatest displays of batting in history. 196. Remember the number now and forever. It has changed the world of sport, forever. Michael Vaughn, former team captain, called it the greatest victory in his lifetime. Mine, too.