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Bangladeshis in Britain took advantage of their World Cup qualification to fly the red-and-green flag on their vehicles as they raced to the Chelmsford ground here on Monday. In an aberration of English street behaviour, car drivers honked their horns when they passed another sporting a Bangladesh flag.

The stadium at Chelmsford was dabbed in green and red colours with thousands of loyal fans turning up for the match against New Zealand. By a sweeping estimation, about 80-90 per cent of the crowd at Chelmsford were Bangladeshis. The flags were waved at any bit of excitement during the Bangladesh innings that included singles from misfielding. If they were disappointed by the paltry Bangladesh score they did not show it. Rather, every appeal by the Bangladeshi fielders were backed by enthusiastic cheer. Several Bangladesh supporters had their face painted, one had his hair dyed green and a red spot on his forehead. Some carried banners, including one that said Joy Bangla.

Sigh of Relief

Wife of Khalid Masud, the Bangladesh wicketkeeper, was able to watch the Chelmsford match in full honour and dignity. There were earlier reports that some players of the Bangladesh had their tickets withdrawn and this was causing some unhappiness in the squad. A delighted BCB official informed this correspondent this morning that the matter was taken care of and that the ladies were enjoying the match.

Nicknames come easy

Non-Bangladeshi journalists of very many big-name newspapers and agencies were in a riddle at the Chelmsford ground Monday trying to identify Bangladeshi players on the ground, let alone spell their names. Some were clearly impressed with the nicknames of the Bangladesh cricketers, not that they were able to pronounce any with comfort or conviction.

Puzzling Indeed

The Press Box at Chelmsford gives a view from mid-wicket or extra cover. There is no way of getting a look at the line of the ball, which was the privilege of the ball-to-ball television commentators.

Stands were not more than four to five rows deep in most places. A section of the boundary was marked by a row of tents. The ground was adorned with publicity strips of sponsors on the green grass. Seeing the Bangladesh batting, someone commented whether he should fly back home by Emirates, or ring for new recruits over Vodaphone, have a Pepsi to wet his dry throat or ask the batsmen to pen their account in the NatWest bank.