Oval covered in green

During the opening game against England, the green shirts were quite visible amongst the dominating whites. However, when the Tigers returned to play Australia in their second Champions Trophy fixture yesterday, The Oval was practically painted green.

The ground was not fully packed but the atmosphere surrounding the encounter was more as if the Tigers were playing on their home turf, with every run being cheered on with deafening roars. It was the first day of the week and despite the threat of rain and the aftermath of the terrorist attack in London, which occurred in the early hours on Sunday, Bangladeshi expats living in England flocked to the arena in droves.

“I bought tickets for Bangladesh's two games eight months ago. Tickets are very expensive here if you buy them late. In the opening game against England prices rose to 150 pounds,” said Obaidur, who was enjoying his time at the main entrance of The Oval with other festive Bangladeshi fans.

Obaidur came from East London, which is not too far away from the stadium, with his friend Sumon. Both are employed at superstores and had to take a day off to watch the game.

“It's like a festival whenever Bangladesh come to play in England. The game also gives us an opportunity to get together. Life is very monotonous here. You work here six days a week and don't get enough opportunities to meet each other,” continued Obaidur, who is in his 40s.

Sumon, who became a bit emotional, expressed how he desperately feels for his country.

The Bangladesh team management would have pinned their hopes on the three big guns – Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal -- to fire with the bat. While the former two followed the script of the innings, falling cheaply and haplessly, Tamim proved to be the odd one out, playing a measured knock of 95 off 114 deliveries. PHOTOS: AFP

“When I was in Bangladesh I felt nothing. But after coming to England I can't explain how much I feel for my country and wish to contribute in any small way possible. Our cricket team has given us something we can be very proud of. Now we don't need to say that Bangladesh is an independent country which lies next to India. Our cricket team has given us our identity,” said Sumon.

The two seemed confident of a Bangladesh victory against Australia. However, it was too big of an expectation as Bangladesh have won only once in their last 19 ODI games against the Aussies. Even so they looked to be well aware of Bangladesh's recent improvement.

“We are now a good team. We competed very well despite losing against England the other day,” said Obaidur. They also appeared not concerned about the recent terrorist attack in Manchester and London.

“We have come along the London Bridge to the venue today. What I feel is that people here are not scared. Yes, we are a bit concerned. And being a Muslim we feel a bit ashamed for that as the good things of our religion are overshadowed by the few people who strayed,” Sumon observed.

After you enter the facility following a standard security procedure, which you have to go through even for a county cricket game, you will see the imposing green everywhere on the walkway. This was also a time for those makeshift vendors to earn some quick money with the traditional signboard for a hot dog turned into 'halal hot dog'.