Cocktail of cricket, 'masti' for Aussie fans in India

Bangalore: At around 200, they are outnumbered a 100 times at Bangalore's Chinnaswamy Stadium. But their cheering and flag waving every time an Australian batsman sent the red cherry to the ropes could match the enthusiasm of the over 20,000 Indians' support for the home team playing the first Test against Australia at India's tech hub.

Sipping beer in the moderately hot and humid weather at the stadium, colourfully dressed bankers, businessmen and college goers make up the 'Kangaroo Army' touring India either with Ricky Ponting's men or on their own coinciding with the four-Test series.

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"We're here in India to spend our holidays and cricket figures top in our itinerary," was the common answer to questions on their India visit.

"India is a beautiful country and I have come here to enjoy its vivacious mood. And watching India and Australia, the two giants of world cricket playing against each other, is always fun," Ben Kajtazi, a native of Melbourne but currently working in London as a banker, said.

In fact, two of Ben's businessmen friends, Alex Marcin and Andrew Jose, from Melbourne joined him on their India tour almost a week back in Mumbai. "We have already enjoyed the hospitality of Mumbai and Goa before coming to Bangalore. We plan to tour southern and northern parts of India, along with watching all the four Test matches between India and Australia," said Alex.

Most of the 'Kangaroo Army' seem to have planned their month-long India tour very well. "When matches will be on, we will make it a point to cheer our team at the playing grounds. But beside that, we will be touring India, visiting various places and enjoying its food and culture," said Natasha David, a college-goer from Sydney, said.

Natasha, accompanied by a bunch of youngsters from across "the lucky country", a popular term used for Australia because of its weather, lifestyle and history, said that after the Bangalore sojourn, they plan to visit Chennai and Goa, before joining their team in Chandigarh Oct 17.

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"I have heard a lot about Bangalore, about its IT and BT sectors. The city is quite happening with towering buildings and youngsters too are very friendly. But I'm sad as Bangalore has no night life as pubs, and discos close at 11.30 p.m.," said Natasha's friend Catherine.

In fact, many cricketers and cricket administrators say the Aussie fans are adding the glamour quotient to the entire series because of their flamboyant style. "They have good knowledge about cricket. They are very lively and appreciate good performances even from their rival teams. It is nice to see quite a number of Aussie fans enjoying the match and adding charm with their gestures and cheers," said former cricketer Dodda Ganesh.

The Karnataka State Cricket Association, the official hosts for the Bangalore Test, has made special arrangements for the Australian fans at the stadium during the match time. "We have kept a good stock of beer cans and juices for Australian fans. For lunch, food too has been cooked keeping in mind the taste of Australians," said KSCA official.