The SCG and the MCG

“Where is Sydney Cricket Ground-SCG? How do I go to SGC?,” was my first question to the host in Sydney after the rudimentary check-in procedures. “Come here,” pointing me to come outside the door he was pointing his forefinger up and not so far. “Can you see those standing lights? Yeah? That’s SGC for you my friend.” Wow!!! I was gasping my breath; coincidently I had booked a place at an arm’s length from SCG, next to Cricketers’ Arm hotel. No wonder then that all the walls downstairs were filled with ex-Australian cricketers like the Waughs, the McGraths and not the mention the big Don Bradman. Now, it was my turn to point to my bag and saying, “Can you please hold on to it for a while as I just can’t stop my excitement even for a second. Here I go…”

Marathon Cricket Tournament @ SCG-Sydney

Innings break @ Australia-Srilanka T20 game @ MCG

MCG during the tour 

As much as I have hated the smug invincible look on Ricky Ponting and his teammates’ face, I have been a salient admirer of the success the nation has achieved in sports arena. Be it an Olympic sport, be it Cricket – a game played by only handful of nations, Aussies have set new and newer standards for the world to chase all the time. Just can’t forget the days of getting up very early in the morning not only to catch the captivating cricket action along with an outstanding channel 9 commentary but an equal attraction was to get the glimpses of the lush green, nicely curetted outfields, seagulls dancing on the boundary lines. Those were just wonderful, wonderful memories and being in Australia I desperately wanted to have a first look at both the SCG and a must do THE MCG…

After a short brisk walk, I was at the SCG gates inquiring for the guided tours at the stadium. “We are afraid, Sir!!! We have guided tours every morning 10AM and tomorrow being an Australian day* – a national day, we have no tours for public,” a stern face at the counter poked. Even his Sir sounded stern. After traveling shores to see the venue, it was not a pleasing response. “Is there any way I can visit the grass at least once,” disappointment must have flashed on my face as if the sky has broken loose. With a broad smile the passer by tour guide quipped, “However, you have come in this august place at a very special occasion, Sir!!! Today, we have a “Marathon Cricket Tournament” scheduled and (not to mention) the entry is free and you will be able to witness a real cricket game @ the SGC.” “But…but, how about the dressing rooms and pavilion etc.,” ecstatic though, I still sounded a bit paranoid, “Do Not worry, Sir! You will be able to enter the dressing rooms, take pictures and above all, you would be amongst the very few- a very lucky few, who can claim to have a chilled beer at the Sydney members club.”

Bradman philosophy @ Home dressing room - SCG

"Mera Bharat Mahan" - @ Guest dressing room  - SCG

Two maestros celebrating elders B'day @ MCG

A few moments later, I was clean bowled by a waitress holding Samosa trey and mango chutney at the members’ hall. Well, the next few hours, I was at my happiest best wandering on the fields of SCG. Capturing the pictures, I walked through the pavilion, the members club, the Bradman hall. Above all standing on the center turf, waving his willow to the midwicket dressing room followed by watching the skies as if gesturing his father with meditating eyes, I did simulate a Tendulkar scoring a couple hundred without playing an offside drive.

Simulation @ SCG turf

Finally, @ MCG press box after the game (tour)

Two days later was the date with awesome MCG and I also enjoyed a last ball finish T20 game between Australia and Srilanka. Was just an incredible experience too...