Seize the Ball
My first time at a cricket match
I know nothing about Cricket; there’s a first time for everything. As I enter the stadium and I walk through the crowds, I take in everything I can.
“Welcome to the dream teams and ice creams” read the advertising banners. The sponsors’ blue, green, and yellow brands take more visual space than they should. The music in the background creates some hype. I find my row of seats and get set to watch on the plastic chairs, next to my friend who’s already there. Nothing’s happening on the field yet, but something in the air juices up the fans around us.
In between the armies of bouncing agitated folks, I find the stillest man alive; arms crossed, headphones tightly wrapped around his head, looking straight ahead — he’s wired in. Nothing can disturb his focus. A small kid near him pokes his arm: no reaction.
A couple of sellers with different stances and voices populate the scene. Soft serve becomes a repetitive song. “Ice creammmm! Ice creaaaammm…” Chips, popcorn, chocolates, and sweets are also on auction, but no one’s buying.
The Cape Town teams’ blue jerseys and sparkling numbers enter the field. The crowd cheers. The cameraman zooms on a few faces.
The Durban team they’re fighting against are in bright red jerseys with dark spider web…
