Bees overrun Kotla, force players to prostrate

New Delhi, Oct 31 (UNI) It happened suddenly. The bees overtook the Ferozshah Kotla ground here and players and umpires scurried for cover but as the aliens were faster and hovered all over the men in white-players and umpires-fell to the ground to protect themselves causing suspension of the play for four minutes on the third day of the third Test between India and Australia here today.

As the bees moved over and around the ground one over after the lunch, Sachin Tendulkar covered his ears with his hat while substitute Munaf Patel walked in wearing a helmet.

Umpires Aleem Dar and Billy Bowden were first to duck and prostrate fearing bee stings, but they got up quickly and ordered others to do so but Australian batsmen, Ricky Ponting and Matthew Hayden, preferred safety to bravado and continued lying down for couple of minutes.

UNI HSB PY BD1710