Section 12 One Hand Relaxes, the Other Fights

Suraj jumped in air, his feet stretching as in running posture, and hit the ball. The face of the bat was opened up, the bat striking the ball while rising perpendicular to the ground. Yes! The ball rose up and passed through the twin coconut trees, just below the line of the last stretch of leaves. Catching was not an option!

A ball was delivered to the leg at good length, then swinging further leg-side. Suraj turned left, twisted his wrist making the bat face straight towards the wickets at other end, and again put the ball up with the same result.

Now what can be said of the strokes where the ball was coming from good length to middle stump, from off to middle, or from wide to off stump. Routine hits.

Whatever be the ball, from whatever direction, the result was the same. Coconut trees. With Suraj's one hand in pocket, all the way.

Bodyline was created for Bradman. For Suraj too some thoughtful new delivery was required. Balls were now thrown short-pitched, rising above Suraj's head, making them no-balls, but hey! this was not international cricket! Only some friends playing, in a neighborhood.

Balls were either bouncers, or no-balls above the head. Suraj threw his body in air, twisting himself to the left, as they were coming to leg, revolving his his bat in air from right to left, opening the face of the bat towards the gap, with the consequence said multiple times.

What a scene! It was like some valiant sword-wielder from Mahabharat jumping into the air and striking. Nobody present there had seen such an application in batting before.