It’s all about the ambience — about those figure-conscious blondes in bikinis, about the sheer numbers looking for a nice suntan lying on the white sand — not to forget the boys eager to rub on the sun block lotions as well — and the sex education graffiti on the wall at the background that makes Bondi beach so popular. It is also one of the best beaches in the world.

With the agitated Team India looking for some relaxation, what better way was there to be in Sydney and literally tune into Baywatch!

So the Indians went straight to meet the lifeguards there — and before eyebrows are raised one needs to clarify that they were there to play a round of beach volleyball with a bunch of guys for charity.

A mock warm-up game among the team-members preceded the big one — Team India vs Bond Beach Lifeguards — today morning.

The match was filmed and will be used in a documentary relating to the lifeguards. The veterans gave the stage today to the young legs in the team for most part and Team India won in a match that went down to the wire. The score — 10-9 in favour of the visitors. Maybe a reflection of the spirit in the team now where they are no longer ready to give in.

The sea seemed a bit choppy and not too many cricketers wanted to risk a swim. But Mahendra Singh Dhoni was game and soon RP Singh joined him.

... contd.