The accuracy of McGrath

Glenn McGrath is probably the most accurate fast bowler in the world I have seen- almost monotonously so! Today, he got past 500 test wickets in absolute style- at the Mecca of cricket, Lord's, against the oldest Aussie foes at the beginning of the latest rivalry for the prestigious Ashes.

There are few things to learn from him-
a) Stick to the simple things but do them very well. He doesnt either cut or swing the ball prodigiously, but he pitches it just right- all the time!
b) Create a niche, become the very best in it and dont bother about the rest- He has done precious little about his batting skills and given the Supersub rule on one-dayers now, we may never see him bat again and I dont think anyone's complaining.
I loved watching him in Sydney and Melbourne last year. His smooth action, his uncanny accuracy and his athleticism were a delight to watch. I am reproducing a report here from Cricinfo about the first day at Lords that clearly points out why this guy is a such a genius.

"A day which began magnificently for the hosts turned pear-shaped by the end entirely due to the efforts of one outstanding individual. Before this Test, Glenn McGrath's Lord's stats read: 17 wickets in two matches at 12.76. One day into his third game at this venue, and the numbers look even better - 22 wickets at an incredible 10.82. McGrath has already won the Man-of-the-Match award in his first two Tests here, and if today's performance is any indication, he's well on his way to a hat-trick.
As always, McGrath's control over line and length was impeccable. The pitch, with its inconsistent bounce, was tailor-made for him, and McGrath exploited it to the hilt, homing in just around off stump, nipping it either way, and allowing the vagaries of the track to do the rest.
A look at McGrath's pitch map tells the story - 71 out 78 balls pitched on a good length, that's a mind-boggling 91%. Fifteen of his deliveries pitched on or outside leg stump, but 14 of those were to left-handers from over the wicket, which meant that the angle of delivery would have forced the batsmen to play at them. Against right-handers, McGrath's control was stunning - 52 good-length balls out of 58, with one ball which drifted further on side than off stump. "

Friends vs relatives

I love my friends, especially the ones who I've been with for a long time. I try and catch up with them in different parts of the world time and again, talk about old times, think through current challenges and chart out a future course of action. We inevitably have a few beers, talk about everything under the sun and have a good time. I always look forward to meeting them.

With relatives, I can't say that is always true. A typical one hour meeting with a relative in India goes like this-
First 15 minutes- Complaint about not coming to India often;
Second 15 minutes- The last time I visited, they realized I stayed with Uncle X for four hours, while I was at their place for only an hour- that is unfair and discriminatory behavior;
Third 15 minutes- Asking how much I earn and my attempts to dodge the question;
Fourth 15 minutes- Complaint about how little I have begun to eat and their attempts to over-feed me.

I understand all this is done in good faith. But somehow, the experience isnt always pleasant. Why is this so? Why is the the element of jealousy much more amongst relatives than amongst friends? Is it because relatives are too close for comfort? Is it because we choose our friends and can't choose our relatives and hate the fact we dont have a choice? Whatever the reason, I have found myself creating more and more time to connect with good friends but not so with relatives.

Maybe, this will change as I grow older. As friends drift apart, blood relatives may become much closer with time. One can never tell, but I just hope I begin to enjoy their company as much as I enjoy that of my friends.

From Singapore

I am writing after a long time, and thats because I have been travelling. Turning out to be a very fulfilling vacation. Was in Delhi, then in Jaipur- caught up with family and friends. Nothing like renewing old friendships over a bottle of chilled Kingfisher.
I leave for Manila and Mindanao next week. Am really looking forward to that.

I must confess Singapore feels like home now. I am very comfortable in this city and the efficiency and cleanliness never ceases to amaze me. I am sure I will miss it, particularly when the Boston winter comes around.

Will write more from the US.