First Screening of 83 ft. Class of '83

Chapter 8

Shastri nicked to the keeper.

"And that's another one-a big one. India have lost both their openers within the first 10 overs."

The West Indies pace quartet launched what could only be called a revengeful attack on the Indian batsmen.

Jimmy dodged a bullet-like delivery from Roberts.

"Fiery Andy! Fiery!" yelled Dujon from behind.

"That one hit Vengsarkar right in the ribs," said Farokh, not sounding pleased himself.

"At least it's restricted to the ribs," said Kiri sarcastically.

"For now," said Sunny ominously.

Dilip, who was sitting between the two, chose not to comment.

"India rebuilding quite well...Indians thrilled by this 50-run partnership between Jimmy and Dilip."

The crowd and the dugout were on their feet, clapping.

"Oh that was a fast one from Malcolm Marshall," said Farokh as Dilip dodged one.

Jimmy looked back as Dilip and Marshall exchanged a stare, expression calculative.

Dilip hit Marshall for two more boundaries, whereupon the latter walked up to him.

"Sunny knows about me here. You'll soon find out too."

Dilip looked back mockingly.

"This is exactly what he shouldn't have done," Jimmy whispered to Kapil and Madan.

"Oh yes, Jim pa?" said Kapil sarcastically as Maddi said, "Says the man who smiled at 150 kmph bowlers after taking them to the cleaners and who-"

"Came down to bat with six stitches and the played the first shot-" began Kapil.

"A hook," said Maddi. "Off Holding."

"Good shot, Dilip," called Jimmy.

"Look," said Kapil. "Did you or did you not tell him this when he was staring down Marshall?"

"Did," admitted Jimmy.

"There you go," said Kapil and Madan, satisfied.

"Dilip standing up to one of the fastest and most hostile overs seen in the World Cup." Farokh's words were just an omen about what was to come.

Everyone in the theatre winced as the next ball hit Dilip on the chin with the sickening thud and he collapsed.

*****************

Jimmy ran in from the other end, looking petrified.

"Ball after ball after ball of hostile short-paced bowling, Dilip Vengsarkar simply could not avoid that one."

While crossing Marshall, Jimmy did the mistake of glancing back at him. Marshall flicked a bit of flesh from the ball and gave Jimmy a what-can-you-do-to-me? look.

Exactly like real-life Jimmy would've done-

Jimmy turned away without a word and knelt down beside Dilip and called for the stretcher.

"He's wincing in pain on the ground..."

Kirti came running, leading the stretcher as Dujon and Jimmy helped Dilip take off his helmet.