Chapter 53: Time-off
The umpire dislodged the bails, signaling the end of the match.
The match ended in a draw, but for Mumbai, it felt like a victory.
They had held their own against a formidable Division 1 County side in foreign conditions, posting a massive total and bowling with discipline.
The sparse but enthusiastic crowd at the County Ground in Hove rose to their feet. The applause was warm, appreciative of the grit shown by the visitors.
"Well played, lads! Well played!" a spectator with a thick Sussex accent shouted near the boundary rope.
"That number 18 is special!" another shouted, pointing at Aryan, who was shaking hands with the opposition.
The players exchanged pleasantries. Cricket, after all, is a gentleman's game.
"Hey, young man," a voice called out with a distinct accent.
Aryan turned around to see a short, stout man with a friendly face and a legendary aura. It was Mushtaq Ahmed, the spin wizard of Sussex and former Pakistani legend.
