Most of urban India will be curled up on their couches this weekend to catch the cricket World Cup. Cricket overshadowed everything else this week as India pipped arch rivals Pakistan to enter the World Cup finals. It wasn’t surprising, therefore, to see our scientists also merrily contracting the fever. A unique exhibition in Chennai next week will discuss the science of cricket — the physics, biomechanics and aerodynamics of cricketing moves!

Science dissemination body Indian Science Monitor (ISM) is putting up the show in Chennai to encourage Indian research in the field of cricket. Visitors can expect to come back enlightened on the science of batting and learn interesting nuggets about spinning the ball, pitch conditions, the effect of tampering and sweat on the ball.

Mastering the art of pitch preparation involves an understanding of the science of surfaces. Bodyline bowling, where the ball is pitched short and rises up the body of the batsman, gives a peek into the science of deliveries. The exhibition will explain all such important cricketing fundamentals. And also take a scientific look at controversies such as rubbing vaseline on the ball to make it swing better or picking on the seam of the ball.

An interesting event. And what better time than this! Wonder if the Indian players or cricket administrators will drop by for a tip or two.