There are some sporting rivalries that go beyond playing and players. England- Argentina in soccer. Maradona's one genius work, and one Godly work, gave it an all together different flavour- remember Mexico '86.
Then there was Bjorn Borg and McEnroe fighting out on French clay and English grass. Fans sighed. The rockstar Borg had females bating. The head-band and the sweaty forearms had them swooning all over. McEnroe had a temper and personality. Contrasting styles. Great tennis for fans. This was a rivalry called as 'Fire and Ice' by the aficionados.
India- Pakistan in cricket has had its moments. But, it is marred by politics. The rivalry as I see it, is not sporting, but, political. Hence, I keep it away from the discussion.
But there is Ashes: tradition, folklore, heritage. There is something when these two countries meet. First day of the first test at Edbagston or Brisbane. The buzz is in purists. It's time when everything else takes a backseat. Cricket is all what matters. A bouncer is hurled, a hook is played. The Barmy army sings. The urn may be tiny for which they play, but it carries the weight of a century and more. Of sweat and squabs; of long sea voyages in earlier 20th century; of Bodyline and Jardine; of Bradman and Jim Laker; of Botham at Headingley and Warne at Old Trafford.
Then there was Bjorn Borg and McEnroe fighting out on French clay and English grass. Fans sighed. The rockstar Borg had females bating. The head-band and the sweaty forearms had them swooning all over. McEnroe had a temper and personality. Contrasting styles. Great tennis for fans. This was a rivalry called as 'Fire and Ice' by the aficionados.
India- Pakistan in cricket has had its moments. But, it is marred by politics. The rivalry as I see it, is not sporting, but, political. Hence, I keep it away from the discussion.
But there is Ashes: tradition, folklore, heritage. There is something when these two countries meet. First day of the first test at Edbagston or Brisbane. The buzz is in purists. It's time when everything else takes a backseat. Cricket is all what matters. A bouncer is hurled, a hook is played. The Barmy army sings. The urn may be tiny for which they play, but it carries the weight of a century and more. Of sweat and squabs; of long sea voyages in earlier 20th century; of Bodyline and Jardine; of Bradman and Jim Laker; of Botham at Headingley and Warne at Old Trafford.
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