Ali was so engrossed while watching the boys that only the tight grasp on his shoulder could pull him away. He spun around to meet the gaze of a man staring down at him, frowning.

"Who are you,beta?What are you doing here?"
Ali found no words to respond.He was too frightened by the robust appearance of the man. He hurriedly shook his head.

The man asked again,more gently.
"Tell me what you are doing here.I won't hurt you."
"N... nothing,uncle.I was just looking at the dadas play."
"So.....you like cricket?"
"Yes, Uncle."
"So why don't you join?"
Ali put his head down.
"My father can't afford it,Uncle."
The man scratched his beard.
"What is your name?"
"Ali, Uncle"
"Come with me."

With his heart thumping,Ali followed the man as they entered the field, making straight for the spot where a sixteen-year old was busy doing push-ups.

"Manoj."
The fellow stood up.
"Yes,sir?"
"This is a new member,Ali.Bowl to him."
Manoj turned to Ali."Come,Bhai."

Taking a bath from his kitbag,he handed it to Ali.
"Listen,this is where you hold the bat,like this."He showed Ali."You keep a firm grasp on the bat,ok?And then you....."and went on giving Ali the necessary instructions.
"Understood?"
"Yes, dada."
"Good.Take your position. I'm going to bowl to you."

Ali took his position.He was feeling quite nervous.His hands shook slightly,but he put on a brave face.
"I'm ready."

Manoj bowled.

Ali had often heard his father say that the experience of hearing about any incident was far different than experiencing it.Ali had always laughed it off.

Not today.

As the ball sped towards him,he understood how different the game was.How much skill it took for the batsman to keep his eyes on the ball and hit it, and at the same time protecting himself from injuries.

Not surprisingly,Ali felt a shiver down his spine.Fearing the ball would hit him,he moved himself just in time as the ball rattled the stumps.

He failed.

"What's the matter?"Manoj came running to him."It was pretty slow."

Ali couldn't stop shivering.Somehow,he managed,"I.... I...was afraid....it would...hit me."

Manoj put a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Listen,bhai. There is nothing to be afraid of.If you know how to hit the ball,then all is fine."
"I don't think I can do it."
Manoj ran a hand through his hair.
"You'd better speak to Rana Sir,over there."

Ali walked over to the man,who was instructing some thirteen-year olds on how to bowl.Ali plucked up his courage.

"Sir?"
Rana Sir looked at him in surprise.
"Over so soon?"
Ali took a deep breath.
"Sir,I can't do this.Every time I see the ball speeding towards me,I am afraid I will get hurt.I can't do this."
"Look me in the eye,Ali."

Ali looked up fearfully.
"A batsman's greatest assets are his timing,hand-eye coordination,and footwork.Once you let down your guard,you will lose your opportunity to establish yourself.
A batsman doesn't shrink away when the ball speeds at him,he hits it.In the game,the bowler is not the dominant one,the batsman is.
Once you are part of the team,you are a link in a chain.You must play as the team requires.As you know the weakest link breaks the chain,and I will tolerate no weak links.On the field,the boys aren't different individuals, but are all connected to a common goal--Victory.They have different role,but each must play their part.
You have talent,boy.I can see it in your eyes.You just need proper training and time.
Tell me,are you ready to begin your training?"

Ali looked up with a determined look,his mind resolved

"YES,SIR!"