LORD’S! Every time you hear this word, there is a tinge of
excitement, it feels like something special. Growing up in India, playing for
your country becomes a mandatory dream for most of the cricket followers. For
every one of them, Lord’s ranks at the top of all cricket stadiums. When I came
to know that I may visit Lord’s on my Europe Tour, I was as excited to be there
as much as a bowler gets when waiting to bowl on the hat trick ball.
England was hosting New Zealand for the first Test at Lord’s.
It was clearly mentioned to us that if there is a match going on, we wouldn’t
be able to visit Lord’s. Those few days I supported England selfishly. More
than anything that was probably the last day I was happy that Stuart Broad took
7 wickets as England wrapped up the match on Day 4 itself. I was delighted that
finally Lord’s will be visited. As we left the hotel, I had my fingers crossed
for I did not want the rains to come and ruin our visit. As the bus took turn
around a corner, I could see the Media Center of Lord’s. There was just this
excitement to get into the stadium right away. Those 5 minutes to the entrance gate
seemed like an eternity. The moment came and I was standing in front of the
main entrance gate of Lord’s, the Home of Cricket.
I was not there to give an exam, or to play an actual match
but still there were butterflies in my stomach. Having watched many matches in
India between huge crowd helps feeling that atmosphere. We met our guide at the
stadium, Mr. John. We first went to the Media center. It was 6 floors upstairs
but it hardly took me 5 minutes. We were a group of 50 people. I did not want
to miss any moment so I told him I just want to rush up and be alone for
sometime if possible. I opened the door and there was the complete view of the
stadium. Dais arranged with power plugs and monitors in the broadcasting rooms.
I could easily imagine how people must be feeling working here on the game we
all love. John came in with rest of the people and I sat there on one of the
dais, listening to the History of Lord’s.
I wasn’t sure of what we all may get to see in the stadium
and when John said that we will proceed towards the pavilion and the long
rooms, my happiness soared up. We walked around the stadium and then stood
before the entrance of pavilion. We were told about the restrictions like no
cameras allowed, I did not care. This was better at the heart than on the eyes.
We went to the visiting team’s dressing room. As I entered, there was this
strong feeling of belongingness, couches arranged along the walls of the room,
the place looked serene. John informed us where Indian batsmen used to sit
in the room, all their superstitions and their reserved seats. All felt so much
close to heart. Looking up I saw the honors board, both the batting one and the
bowling one. I felt lucky enough to be there. Despite the joy, there was
something that was making me more and more anxious, the Balcony. The balcony
where Dada stood and waved his jersey. Taking the initiative as I passed
through that door, I closed my eyes and just felt those cheers, the drums playing
and announcements going on around the stadium. Opening my eyes, I could see the
entire field of Lord’s. I could not be happier. I just wanted to feel this all
my life.
This was not the end of it, we were yet to see the entrance and the walk to the ground. John handed me a bat and said “Let’s consider you are making your debut today at Lord’s. Let me show you how and what all the batsmen have to face before they go to face the first ball”. I took the bat as if I owned it and the emotions and excitements almost made me feel like the one making debut. We came downstairs from the dressing rooms, we then took a right. John made me wait outside what seemed to be a very big room. He took rest of the people with him inside the room and closed the door. I was confused; I didn’t know what was happening. Then the door opened and I heard John saying “Ladies and Gentlemen, here we have the debutant Mr.Nikhil making his way to the field, can you please welcome him with a round of applause”. As I walked through I could see he had made two groups and there was a tiny little gap between them, but my eyes were staring at the paintings on the wall. This was the long room, the Members room, there were so many paintings of legends and I just strolled past all of them amidst those claps from everyone. Taking a left, I could see there was a path leading out to the field. THIS was it, what I dreamt of every night. I walked ever so slowly hearing, soaking in the claps and everything, pushed the door ajar and my eyes light up at the site of entire field of play. I felt like I was actually the batsman there and would go on to bat. I so just wanted to run onto the field and scream in joy, but I was stopped, my right foot in the air just before the grass rope. I could not go ahead, it was not permitted. It was like getting run-out on 99. That one step was all I felt was important. It meant everything to me, the cheers and buzz went off suddenly and I went numb. This was an empty stadium all the noise was in my head. But this was special. This was as close to my dream as I could ever get. That one step had its own thrill and it still makes me feel alive every time I think of it.
We then went to lower stand next to the pavilion and clicked
pictures, loads of them. But the real deal was done for me. This was an
unforgettable experience for me. I came back to India after 14 days touring the
entire Europe. But that afternoon on May 20, 2013 will always remain in my
heart as fresh as ever. And today as the world watches shots of long rooms
during the 2nd Ashes Test, I could proudly relate myself being there. I never
imagined myself feeling so much joy just loving this game. I don’t know if I
will be able to go there again, but I wish I do, as a player not possible but
may be as follower of this game, I want to be at the Home of Cricket!
