England team play a different game

For underprivileged children, life is basically about facing the odds. Moments of happiness are few and far between.

For the underprivileged children of Future Hope Foundation in Kolkata, Saturday, however, was different. It was a day of pure joy as the England players, who are here to play the third Test against India, dropped in at their "home" and spent about an hour, interacting and playing with them. The England stars left the place "humbled".

"What a humbling experience at the Future Hope School in Kolkata. Amazing kids and amazing place, giving underprivileged kids a chance!" tweeted wicket-keeper Matt Prior.

Prior and his team mates chatted with the children and played hockey, chess, rugby and cricket with them. Kevin Pietersen, the most sought-after man in the England ranks, was seen giving batting tips to the kids. Prior and Jonny Bairstow tried their hands at chess.

"Lovely visit to the future hope school today! Met this little fella and he whipped my bu** at chess!!" tweeted Bairstow.

Prior too had a difficult time on the chess board.

"I beat the 9-yr-old challenger easily but when the U10 turned up, it was a different story," he tweeted.

For left-arm spinner Monty Panesar, the experience was "humbling", while seamer Jimmy Anderson described it as "amazing". The children were happy and after this experience they were in a dilemma about supporting India or England for the Test that starts at Eden Gardens on Wednesday.

"We played with them and they gave us some valuable sporting tips. I am so overwhelmed that now I don't know which team to support for the Test," said a child.

ALSO READ

Cong rallies demanding CBI probe

Mamata Banerjee to fund election campaign with proceeds of her paintings

Cops take Debjani to Saradha head office, seize documents and hard discs

Governor sets up campus probe team