The JSCA Cricket Stadium made its debut in Test cricket with over 20,000 cricket lovers watching the first day of the third Test match between India and Australia here on Thursday. A large number of schoolchildren, youths, security personnel and others cheered for team India and even gave ovation to Steve Smith on completion of his century.
The attendance at the otherwise jam-packed stadium was moderate but the crowd gathered to watch the match compensated it with their enthusiastic participation and cheering for the game. The galleries were filled with spectators holding the Tricoulour, placards and small banners with slogans.
“Ranchi has risen again in global cricket scenario with the first Test match. We cricket lovers of Ranchi were looking forward to this moment for a long time. Although Dhoni was not a part of this event, we still enjoyed a lot,” said Anjesh Kumar, who came with his friend to watch the match from Hazaribagh.
Although the city missed its star Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the match, the fans said they expect him to come and watch the match. “We missed Dhoni. But I have this feeling that he will come to watch the match at least for a day. India began well and took wickets early. Australia bounced back with Smith's century. This makes for an interesting match and I am looking forward to it,” said Abhijeet Nanda a law student.
“Kohli getting injured was a shock. Hopefully he will recover soon and be back on the field and take India to victory. Steven Smith brought back Australia from a tough session. But I am sure India will win this match,” he added.
The audiences also praised the Australian squad for bouncing back after early setback. “It’s a good score by Aussies. Steve Smith scored his 19th Test century and he also became the third fastest batsman to score 5000 Test runs. Match was good today but I felt Very bad about Kohl's injury. It may hamper his performance, hope for his rapid recovery, India needs his presence,” said Amand Bhaskar a resident of Doranda.
The Jharkhand State Cricket Association has for the first distributed free passes to school and college students, army and CRPF personnel to attract audiences for the test match. The Army and Police personnel have been given 11,000 passes each. Also, about 35,000 school children along with 10,000 college youths would be given free passes. School students not only from Ranchi but also from places like Gumla, Hazaribagh and Ramgarh are part of the match.