India Superfan back in action

LEEDS: As promised, Virat Kohli helped India’s octagenarian ‘superfan’ Charulatha Patel come back to the cricket ground. The 87-year-old had told Kohli that she didn’t have tickets for the remaining matches when the Indian skipper had first met her at Edgbaston during the game against Bangladesh.

Kohli was so impressed with the old lady’s passion that he arranged tickets for India’s remaining games. BCCI posted a hand-written note of Kohli. “Dear Charulathaji, It’s so inspiring to see your love and passion for our team and I hope you enjoy the game with your family. Lots of love and regards,” the message read.

End of Gould standard

Fans at Headingley ground on Saturday bid farewell to English umpire Ian Gould, who stood in the middle for the final time. The former wicket-keeper batsman had featured in a World Cup semifinal in 1983 against India and 28 years later the 61-year-old ended his career having umpired 74 Tests and 140 ODIs over a span of 13 years.

After calling time on his playing career, Gould then took up a coaching role with Middlesex. He is nicknamed Gunner for having been associated with Arsenal’s youth team as a goalkeeper before playing county cricket for Sussex and Middle-sex. Gould used a rather unusual way to count balls with Bahraini Dinars. The ongoing World Cup was his fourth.