SURREAL FEEL: A participant has a go at virtual cricket organised by Hutch in Vijayawada on Saturday . — PHOTO: CH.VIJAYA BHASKAR

VIJAYAWADA : The young and the old alike walked in one after another with great gusto and wielded the willow to score the required 25 runs in 12 balls, facing the likes of Shoaib Akhtar, Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath. And, only a handful of them managed to reach the target to win a miniature bat signed by Team India captain Rahul Dravid.

The occasion was a show of `virtual cricket' organised by telecom service provider Hutch at its office in Alankar Complex, Gandhinagar and Hotel D.V. Manor on Saturday.

The event drew good crowds, with many passers-by dropping in to experience the thrill of facing fiery deliveries from some of the leading pacers of international cricket and have the satisfaction of `scoring' at least a few runs.

Technology

The `simulated' three-dimensional show was made possible by the Hawk Eye software, which is widely used these days in international cricket to analyse the movement of the ball in multiple dimensions.

All one needed to do was wear a headgear, which looks like the special eyepiece used by deep-sea divers. Sensors attached to the headgear and the special bat are linked to a laptop, which is loaded with the special software. The setting transports the `batsman' to an international stadium, with fielders, umpires and crowds all around.

The `batsman' will be able to see a pacer charging towards him and delivering the ball. The `batsman' can play an aggressive shot or just defend his wickets in the process of reaching the target. The entire show can be watched by viewers on a plasma TV.

"It was fun playing the likes of Shoaib and McGrath, even though it was all just a simulated show. How else can one hope to get an opportunity like this ever?" remarked Dinesh Kumar, a college student.

The show at Alankar Complex witnessed a turnout of about 200 enthusiasts in the morning, while an elite gathering at Hotel D.V. Manor enjoyed the show in the evening.

On Sunday, virtual cricket will be available at Urvashi Theatre, Gandhinagar from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. and at Lotus Group of Hotels, Seethanagaram on the other end of Prakasam Barrage from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. On Monday, it can be played at Modern Super Market near Benz Circle from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. and at Big C Shoppe on M.G. Road from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. On the final day on Tuesday, it will be organised at Nalanda School from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. and at Satyabhama Showroom, C.V.R. Complex from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

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