A light hearted write-up.

Let's dull things down a little here. Two disconnected pieces are here to help us do that :

1. Agony : India missed the semi-berth of the Champions trophy by a whisker. If only Umar Gul could have stopped Australia at 203 in the last over. Or, in a fit of inspiration, Brett Lee would have broken the jaws of Hauritz and Hauritz, in turn, would have used his bat on Lee's elbows. Australia would have ended up with 3 points and +0.49 run-rate. That would have left India with a target of 130 to be achieved in 28.4 overs to pip the Australians out. However, by the time Indian innings started against the Windies, Australia had just about managed that extra run in the thrilling match and rendered India hopeless before the chase for 130 began. We then leisurely scored the 130 in 32.1 overs. So near, yet so far. Sigh

On a brighter note,there is still a yummy possibility of a final between the other neighbouring rivals : NZ and Aus. Not to forget, a promising Pakistani version of neo-age Lagaan too. Cricket, as long as it is not in the form of an insect, would always find ways to warm us up.

2. Parrot : I need a parrot. It need not be rich or handsome.I am willing to compromise on the family background and its sense of humour too. But I expect it to be trainable and obedient. Another necessary characteristic is the ability to pronounce words like Gibbs, Smith and Duminy with sufficient clarity and disdain. I request the readers to read the opening match strategy here for further clarifications. Food and travel expenses during the next few days would be reimbursed as per the avian standards in Bangalore.

While requests are being taken, may a blessed soul be kind enough to send a barber to my place. Things really need to be settled down on my head before this weekend.

Let me end with a not-so-funnily named snap "Once a cave-man, now a batsman" :