The ballad of Parul and Freddie

I would like to watch Australia lose just as much as I like the team. It's like watching a 'good' Goliath fall to a David. The match today has provided just the very opportunity and I have just about overcome my disgust at India's performance in the World Cup and broken my vow not to watch any of the matches.

I got back home to watch Bell and Pietersen thrash McGrath and company and I had the feeling that England is going to continue its good form against the Aussies. Bell fell and was quickly followed by Collingwood and in walked Freddie. Knowing that the two will play it safe for sometime I decided to do check my gmail and orkut accounts for the 10th time today.

I thought I'll lure Parul away by telling her that Freddie is on TV but she gave me the PC anyway. No new messages or comments so I thought I'll go back to the match.

'Aanoo please change the channel or put a movie, I don't want to watch the match", said Parul as soon as I entered the living room.

"But Parul, Andrew Flintoff is playing and soon they will be hitting huge sixes", I was confident that this will sustain her interest in the match.

"I don't want to watch this, I cannot see his face", she said leaving me in a fix.

I pittered pottered around, trying to buy time. Brad Hogg bowled, Flintoff stepped out and my hopes were revived for an instant. This is going out of the park I thought. It was a brilliant chinaman, Flintoff missed and Gilchrist was quick in stumping him.

"Yeah, la la”, she shouted in glee (I am sure that those who know Parul will know what I am talking about)"Aanoo now he is going to take off his helmet", I was flabbergasted but could only laugh at her reasons.

Flintoff obliged and a minute long monologue on how he's so cute and so sweet followed.

My interest in the match was withering even though Peitersen was still there. I put on a movie and in the first scene itself it was evident that the movie was terrible. Parul agreed to my request of watching the rest of the match as only 10 odd overs were left.

"Aanoo, Flintoff must be sitting somewhere, why are they not showing him', said Parul after a long period of silence.

The cameraman did not obilige.

Peitersen, Bopara, Nixon plodded along and Peitersen got out shortly after completing his 100. The Aussies managed to curtail the Pommies and the initial promise of England posting a big total was not fulfilled.

I stopped watching and here I am. I still have my hopes up and am rooting for England. I don't it will be problematic to watch the rest of the match. Afterall Freddie doesn't bowl or field wearing his helmet.