Debasis Sen, Sydney: It was a dream come true for Edith Kocahnek on Wednesday. The 87 year old lady had her dreams fulfilled as she got an opportunity to spend some time with MS Dhoni. Edith was at the Sydney Cricket Ground with her son Norman to watch Dhoni practice.
“I was very lucky to meet MS Dhoni and feel very privileged. I didn’t expect this,” said Edith.
Dhoni walked towards Edith and sat with her on the benches under the shade behind the nets area at the SCG for a few minutes. Both posed together for a photograph.
Edith, who watched the Bradman era, also had an opportunity to visit Arthur Morris.
“She was more interested in his (Dhoni’s) other activities, not just cricket,” said Norman seated next to his mother.
According to Edith, “Well I enjoyed the day and the experience watching them (Indian cricketers) practice.”
The Indian team had an optional practice session with the likes of Dhoni, Dhawan, Rayudu and Kedar turning up at the SCG with the throw down specialists. They went through the paces ahead of the first ODI in Sydney on Saturday.
The preparations will kick off in earnest from Thursday when the full squad holds it first training session together since the home series against West Indies in November.
The quartet primarily took throwdowns as no specialist bowlers from the squad were present for this optional session.
While Dhawan and Rayudu prepared with both the right and left arm throwdown specialists, Dhoni worked in the indoor nets with assistant coach Sanjay Bangar.
The Indian team will take part in a three match ODI series starting at the SCG from January 12. The next two matches will be played at the Adelaide Oval and MCG respectively on January 15 and 18.