“The Wall cracks,” announced Shyam, reading from the newspaper.

‘Do you mean the Great Wall of China?” asked Sarala.

“The Great Wall of India,” said Shyam. “The Wall is Rahul Dravid and the headline refers to his decision to resign as captain.”

“They could just say, ‘Dravid Quits’,” said Sarala, “but I suppose stating it idiomatically is more dramatic.”

“Continuing with ‘wall’ expressions,” said Shyam, “does this mean that Dravid has gone to the wall (suffered ruin)?”

“I hope not,” said Veena. “Many a time, when the Men in Blue had their backs to the wall (were in a desperate position), Dravid has led our country to victory.”

“Then why stop leading the team?” said Sarala.

“Perhaps the pressure of the captaincy is driving him up the wall (irritating him),” said Veena. “When the team fares well, there’s praise and when it fails, there’s criticism. Dravid is probably climbing the wall (feeling frustrated).”

“That’s right,” agreed Shyam, “and telling his fans to react in a mature manner is banging his head against a brick wall (urging them to do something they won’t do).”

“Besides, Dravid probably comes up against a brick wall (finds something blocking his way) when it comes to making decisions,” said Veena. “I would like to be a fly on the wall (present unseen at discussions) to hear the
wrangling that goes on in closed cricket circles.”

Shyam laughed. “Hardly necessary. We pick up all the news, anyway. Walls have ears (secret conversations are somehow overheard.) The media gets hold of everything.”

“Is this the writing on the wall (a prediction of the end) for Rahul Dravid?” said Veena.


“Oh no!” exclaimed Sarala, who had been listening intently to her brother and her friend. “I don’t know as much about the game as both of you, but I’m sure that Dravid can still contribute greatly to cricket. To coin an idiom of my own---the Wall stands tall!”