The Indians, along with other teams, met the Queen of England at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday morning. The team was given a set of do's and don'ts to be adhered to in the presence of royalty. The team, which was given the option to appear in either team blazer, suit or a national dress, preferred to go in the Board-given team blazer.

Inimitable Sarfraz

One story doing the rounds is of Sarfraz Nawaz, the former Pakistan fast bowler. The story goes that the Mayor here, in all his finery, jewellery and medals, greeted the Pakistan team during one of these introductions to the Queen. Sarfraz pointed at the ceremonial jewels and demanded they be handed over to him. ``These belong to India and Pakistan. You snatched it away from us. Give it back to me,'' he is said to have growled at the bewildered Mayor.

Good for teams

The teams have been better looked after. All members are given individual hotel rooms and the accommodation of spouses has been paid for. Businessclass air travel to and from London are sponsored by Emirates. Each team has two baggage men (who stay in the team hotel and enjoy all the facilities), a co-ordinator and of course, the team coach to go in. The Indian team is happy with their co-ordinator, Mike, who they state is a great asset.

Coaches' clinic

The interval between the conclusion of the league phase and the start of the Super Six has been put to good use by the ECB. An international cricket coaches' conference is being hosted at Birmingham. Coaches and former players Bob Woolmer, Desmond Haynes, Andy Lloyd, Dennis Lillee, Terry Jenner (who spoke on reasons for Shane Warne's ineffectiveness) and others were guest speakers. A total of 2000 coaches are at the seminar. Also present was former Indian fast bowler and MRF Pace Foundation coach TA Shekar.

Tailpiece

One of the Indian VIPs at the High Commissioner's tea party was former Indian Prime Minister VP Singh. Word going around here is his medical treatment in England wascosting the Indian government Rs 5 crore. One local wanted to know why he was not going back to his Mandal doctors.