Kolkata: Christopher Payne, after having a memorable performance against Shilling Lajong FC in the previous game for East Bengal, appeared to be the centre of attraction of the East Bengal training today. The forward who secured East Bengal’s crucial victory at the hills, seemed to be in a very happy-go-lucky mood today and revealed his love for Australian cricket. The flamboyant Aussie is a keen follower of the “gentleman’s game” and keeping his eyes on the India versus Australia Test series regularly.
The forward who scored a brace in his last game, denied to speak anything regarding East Bengal, as the new club protocols would cost Rs.20,000, if a player speaks to the media without the consent of the club. But that didn’t stop him to share his love for the most popular sport in India. He hailed the performance of Steven Smith and co. as he said, “The way my country has been playing in this series, it seems we have come for playing practice matches here in India. Such has been the dominance so far.”
Payne regularly goes to a shopping mall at Salt Lake, Kolkata after the training in the morning to have his breakfast at one of his familiar confectionery shops and enjoys the test match between India and Australia on the giant screen. In the past, Indian club football has seen foreign players like Cornel Glenn and Chima Okorie who were mad of the game of cricket. Chris Payne is the latest addition to that list.
East Bengal will play Churchill Brothers tomorrow at the Barasat Stadium and Payne’s mood will no doubt give his team the required confidence before playing the hugely important game.