...And One More Time For Azza's Boys

Sick of smug friends who say, "It’s South Africa or Australia"? Switched off by safety-first TV experts who say, "The better team of the day will win"? Bored of know-all newspaper pundits who can’t stop writing about cold weather, body language, killer instinct, fielding and fitness? Disgusted with two-dimensional cricket ratings that don’t give India half a hope at Lord’s?

Take heart. Outlook bravely predicts that India will win the ’99 World Cup. Yes, we know it’s a bit like saying Mr Govindbhai Ahuja of Virar (W) will walk away with an Academy Award for Aunty No. 1. But what guts/genius does it take to predict that Robert de Niro stands a better chance? In other words, buck the trend and take a risk in the name of the mother republic.