Tricolour vendors do brisk business

Chennai, Jan 27 (UNI) Cricket fever was truly reflected in the vicinity of the historic Chepauk cricket ground here hours before the start of the third ODI between India and West Indies with the 'national flag' selling like hot cakes.

Spectators trooping into the stadium were picking up the tricolour in big and small sizes. And patriotic feelings seemed to be overflowing with the fans carrying the flag in almost every stand.

It proved to be a profitable day for vendors selling the national flag.

The enthusiasm of the crowd was understandable what with the M A Chidambaram stadium hosting a match in full after no less than three years, including the last day's play in the India- Australia Test match in 2003, the ODI against South Africa in 2004 and the first three days of a Test match against Sri Lanka in the same year, having been washed out by heavy monsoon rains.

The staging Association TNCA was also forced to refund the ticket price in the case of the ODI against South Africa following an order from Madras High Court.

The national flags were seen fluttering in great numbers in anticipation as soon as West Indies captain Brian Lara won the toss and asked Rahul Dravid and his men to bat first. The spectators were also looking for a good innings from Sachin Tendulkar, who has played some of his best innings here, including four career hundreds.

UNI