However, they could not have the usual batting and bowling practice in the nets as some spots on the pitches were wet. Later in the day, the practice pitches were readied for the evening session at 3 p.m. The grass on the centre pitches were cut, rolled and made ready for use later in the fortnight. The continuous rain and the resultant damage to the playing area meant hardwork for the poorly-paid indefatigable groundstaff, who, forgetting their own woes for the time being, are working overtime in order to keep the cricketers in a cheerful mood.

``It is the question of our honour. We have to work hard and give them perfect playing conditions. Madras has had the reputation of giving the best to cricketers. We have receivedaccolades from great cricketers like Azhar and Bobby Simpson. What will Azhar or Simpson think if we cannot deliver the goods?,'' said an impoverished groundsman, who leads a life of total misery and who was struggling in rain without a raincoat, a hat or a boot the other day.

In sharp contrast to the cricket officials in the country, cricketers, especially Sachin Tendulkar, Ajay Jadeja and Srinath, were humane to the request of a handicapped youth Anand Jain, who approached them to play some cricket with him. And the cricketers responded magnificently to Anand, who happens to be Javagal Srinath's neighbour. Anand, sitting on a skate, batted and bowled with a tennis ball to Tendulkar.

``His interest in cricket is something amazing. He plays with a leather ball back home. He is crazy about cricketers. His parents never made him feel unhappy in life and gave him everything he wanted. He has a speech problem and cannot speak properly,'' said Srinath.

Prior to it, the players went through their dailyregimen of exercises, catches practice and fielding. The new element was a football, which was kicked around by the cricketers with glee.

TENDULKAR'S GESTURE MOVES HANDICAPPED FAN