Snapshots

Mike Selvey

Yuvraj played his perfect part but the day, the match and the country demanded it belong to Tendulkar. It could not have been scripted more perfectly: a boundary to win the match and complete a century. It had to have been preordained. Had to be. And Tendulkar's articulate, measured summary of what it all meant, even as the euphoria reigned all around him and the adrenalin still coursed through his veins, placed it all into a proper context. It was a triumph for India, but no less so for England who can be proud. Above all, though, it was a triumph for the spirit of Mumbai, through its champion, Tendulkar. Karma.
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The Uncle JRod

But this is a good thing, because what a fucking test match.

It had an unpredictable ending.

It had Strauss show what mental strength can do.

It had Swanny come down from mars with a special over.

It had a great tail end partnership between Dhoni and Bhaji.

A classic England defensive collapse.

GOD.

Sachin making a ton.

England fans felling happy in their despair.

And Indian fans feeling happy with their victory.

What a game, you should all be proud, even those of you who played shit.



So take that terrorists.

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Samir

My favorite moment from last night's incredible finish to the Chennai test: Tendulkar politely shaking hands with all the members of the groundstaff that ran on to congratulate him after the winning runs. At that moment, it all came together. The win, the essential simplicity of this great player, the role of cricket in India, and the relationship between the greats we create and our dreams.
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Tunku Vardarajan

When England's young opening batsman Alastair Cook read out “an open and public statement of support for the Indian people following the tragic events in Mumbai” I found it hard to resist the courage, the poise, the sheer decency of this England cricket team. There is a kind of Englishman who is admired by Indians, who was admired, even, in the old colonial days. I know that because my parents' generation speaks of the type. Amid the boors and oiks that England is so good at producing (and was so good at exporting to its colonies), there is - and always has been - the Upright Englishman.

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Paul Newman

His jaw juts defiantly and his voice almost quivers with emotion as Sachin Tendulkar addresses the Indian people with a statesmanlike message that has been shown incessantly here on television between overs of the first Test.

'We will emerge stronger for the bad times, ' Tendulkar promises his people. 'Now, more than ever, I play for India.'