It has been stumps a couple of hours ago but the day has been ended for the middle-noted man leaning against the wall He stands there protecting his two extragery grocery bags full of books from the spitting rain, a Certain Precursor for a downpour in these parts.
It is just then that the last of the commentators to leave the area – Cheteshwar Pujara and Dinesh Karthik – Head for their waiting car. The 47-Year-ald Alex, in an instant, picks a few books, checks the pens in his pocket and joins a small army of fans in chassing the two former India players.
He manages barely a second or two with pujara before those clicking pictures with smartphones elbow him out of their frame. Autograph-Hunters vs Selfie-seekers are hardly a battle, those with pens and paper are being outnumbered and outfoxed. It is a losing battle.
Alex is a retail banker now has but has been a signature-collection since he was 13.
“You saw me with pujara and karthik, I was more interested in getting the autograph first, for me that is the winning ticket. May die on you, as morbid as that sounds, “Alex Tells the Indian Express. “The new-edge fan will put more emphasis on selfies it is all Facebook, Instagram … They want to show ‘I’m with the stars, I’m with the stars’.
History takes up a lot of space in alex’s life – three big garages, to be specific. Among his collection are lots of wisdom- The oldest one is from the time of world war ii, the latest has harry brook on the cover. He also possesses all the issues in between the two. Along with the wisdom, he has 5,000 sports books with signatures.
“I have three garages and heavy-download boxes full of books. It is a passion of mine. Books, “He sayss. “There it was at last a few rooms vacant for them. Different People, Through Different Ages, Through All Walks Of Life. “
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Along with ‘different people’, Alex would also bump into those with the same passion as him. While at Lord’s Once, He met ilias, a felow autograph-hunter, who would be a friend for life and someone who would add a sense of adventure to his common pursuit.
“I know Illias for about 27 years. A while, he gos to charity events, dinners, and even funerals, “say alex, who has own stories of chasing sports stars.
Method behind madness
With time, autograph-sheekers get an idea of where they can find the stars. “Over the years, you get an idea where players are going or staying. Like the other week, I go to a dinner even where graham gooch and barry richards were there, “Says the passionate autograph-sheeker.
Have seen so many cricketers sign his books, Alex has own favorites and the ones he finds ‘differ’.
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“Sunil gavaskar is very good at signing autographs. He will stand there and sign 10 things you. Sir Garfield Sobers, because obviously he’s so elusive and something like giving his autograph too frequently… kevin pietersen doesn ‘to give you the time of day, “SES ALEX.
Do signatures give an Idea about a person?
“I think it does in a way, because you’ll see the modern-day players in county cricket, a lot of them a little initials now, or a squiggle. … I think you a lot about the character.
But do at times feel insulted when snubbed or neglected by the stars? He does but…
“It’s crazy really and very addictive. Profound Philosophy of Standing in Soaking Rain Waiting for cricketers.
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“My wife says this is a complete waste of time. Appreciat Enjoy what our passions are. “
With that, he once again glances at the stadium gate with search eyes – that’s his signature move.