Subhayan Chakraborty in Manchester
In Beckenham, India’s men’s cricket team held a practice session, while approximately 200 miles away in Manchester, Old Trafford Cricket Ground presented a quiet and serene scene. The much-anticipated fourth Test between India and England is five days away, yet there is little of the excitement typically associated with the Indian team’s arrival. Normal life continues in Manchester, with traffic around Talbot Road maintaining its usual, unhurried pace.
Across from the cricket stadium lies an Indian grocery store. When we visited to pick up a few items, we struck up a conversation in Hindi with the store owner, who was unaware that the Indian team was scheduled to play a Test match in a week’s time. However, he was familiar with the upcoming India vs Pakistan match at Edgbaston on July 20, part of the World Championship of Legends (WCL). Despite the first four days of the Manchester Test being sold out, there is surprisingly little buzz among the local South Asian community. In Birmingham, several digital hoardings promoted the Edgbaston Test, but in Manchester, not a single one has been spotted yet.
At University Academy 92, located directly opposite the stadium, students continue their work at a steady pace. Similarly, the Old Trafford Tram Station, which typically sees little traffic unless a Premier League match or cricket game is scheduled, remains quiet. In contrast, a short walk toward Old Trafford Football Stadium, home to Manchester United, reveals a livelier atmosphere. Tourists flock to take photographs in front of the iconic Sir Matt Busby statue or the United Trinity statue honouring George Best, Denis Law, and Sir Bobby Charlton.
At the cricket stadium, the ground staff have begun preparing the field for the fourth Test, though their work has been hampered by Manchester’s characteristic weather. Showers and persistent drizzle over the past few days have forced them to keep the pitch and square under cover.
With Lancashire playing a second-division County Championship match away against Gloucestershire in Cheltenham starting July 22, most stadium workers are on leave. Only security personnel remain, with a couple of guards stationed at each gate. When we attempted to enter the stadium for a closer look, a security officer stopped us, explaining that entry required prior permission from the ECB. While she was diligently doing her job, she was unaware of the upcoming international match when asked about it. In India, the scene is completely different, especially for an international game where the host state association generally has to hire additional temporary staff to prepare for the game.
Despite cricket being considered England’s national sport, football enjoys greater popularity. A similar dynamic exists in India, where field hockey is the national sport, yet cricket dominates public interest. In the UK, the sports pages of national newspapers dedicate more space to football than cricket. However, anticipation is likely to build when the Indian team arrives in Manchester on July 19, with both teams scheduled to begin training at Old Trafford on July 21.
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