The Eye Behind the Stumps: MARK BOUCHER

          It is indeed really sad to hear the retirement of the most successful Test wicket keeper in such an abrupt way. At a time when cricketers especially, the wicket keepers struggle to carry on for even couple of consecutive series, Mark Boucher stands apart as the most consistent Proteas warrior for the last 14years, falling just short of his 150th test appearance. Any cricket enthusiast who has been following the game for the last two decades, will definitely term Boucher as the sole wicket keeper of South Africa when other teams had seen regular replacements of their respective wicket keepers. 999 international dismissals by Boucher across all formats will definitely stay as a record for a longer period of time. 

          The accident, once again shows the importance and calls for the need of protective guards(helmets) to be worn while keeping the wickets. With the change in bowling strategies,especially, greater variations in terms of turn and pace, the job to keep the stumps has become more demanding and risky. Hope, the bail has not done any long term damage to Boucher and he recovers very soon. Prayers and wishes, to the most successful Test wicket keeper on his road of uncertain recovery.

Presidential Election: The Next Fanfare

          Raisina Hill is being used as a dumping ground. The delayed understanding of candidates on Presidential run on the matter is really surprising. The way candidates are slinging mud 'in public' on their rivals is totally condemnable. The constitution makers never seeked to take the battle to the streets. Neither them, nor the state aspired for it. The constitution of India explicitly states that the President of India is elected by indirect election, that is, by an electoral college; which consists of a) The elected members of both Houses of Parliament; b) the elected members of Legislative Assemblies of the states; and c) the elected members of  the Legislative Assemblies of Union Territories of Delhi and Puducherry [Art.54]. 

          This constitutional segment is clearly violated when proposed candidates take the fight to the street in the name of campaigning which is severely undermining the office of President of India.The struggle to make it to the top of the warrant of precedence and to set a legacy should not come at a cost of violating the basic tenets of the Indian constitution. At least, the election to the topmost office in the country demands certain decency and genuinity from the opponents as per the rule of the law.