Cricket Mania in the Jungle

The Woodywoods Jungle king Shyam Singh lion was lazily eating grapes, when the royal post arrived.

- Ashima Kaushik

Shyam Singh stared at the envelope from the Jungle Cricket Association Board.

With his pointy nails, he slit open the envelope. It was an invitation to participate in the "Jungle-Cricket-Cup"!

Shyam Singh called his minister Sampat fox and asked, "Where is our cricket team? We should participate in the cricket cup!"

Sampat laughed, "We don't have a team! Woodywoods is such a small jungle!"

Shyam Singh roared, "Sampat, I appoint you as the Sports Minister. Now go and make our own cricket team.'

Sampat bowed and walked away.

Deep in his thoughts, he came upon the lazy river. He sat on a big rock and wondered what to do.

Just then, he saw Monty bear throwing something in the river.

"What are you doing?" asked Sampat.

"I am throwing berries at my fish friends," said Monty.

"How nice! You are the captain of our Cricket Team, see you tomorrow on the school field, sharp at 8 AM! This is an order from the Ministry of Sports!" Sampat smiled and said.

Monty's jaw dropped, "What Cricket team? I don't want to be anywhere at 8 AM but in my cozy bed!"

Sampat smiled and walked away.

He saw Ona ostrich lying in a hammock. He tapped on her shoulder and ordered her to be there on the school field as well.

Walking further on, Sampat saw the monkey brothers chasing each other. Sampat clicked his fingers and told them that they were in the cricket team as well.

The monkeys scratched their heads and asked if that meant that they will get bananas to eat.

Sampat laughed, "Oh yes! Show up at the school field for practice on time!"

The monkeys were the first ones to show up in the morning. Even Ona and Monty came running. Sampat was waiting with a bunch of bananas and lots of apples and oranges.