Raj makes new friends after watching cricket on TV in a bar. Follows on from 11.07. Everything belongs to the Chuck Lorre XI.

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Raj and Ruchi decided to go to the bar again to watch cricket, India were playing Australia. Ruchi had to work late and couldn't make it but Raj decided to go anyway. Raj had a great time, he was in a group of blue-shirted Indian fans, there were also a couple of Australian fans in yellow shirts. Raj was happy that India won a narrow victory over Australia. After it was all over Raj talked to the Australians.

"Well played Australia but not good enough for India today."

"No, it was a good game."

"Can I buy you both a drink."

"Thanks, I'm Bruce and this is my wife Sheila."

"I'm Raj."

"G'day Raj and cheers mate."

"Good to be able to watch cricket here in California."

"A nice reminder of home."

"How long have you been away from Australia?"

Sheila replied "we have been here 3 years."

"I left India 16 years ago, I had 4 years studying at Cambridge and then I came here 12 years ago."

"Where do you work Raj?"

"Caltech Astrophysics department."

Sheila then said "Oh really, we are both Caltech geologists. Pleased to meet you, I'm Dr. Sheila Hogan."

"And I'm Dr. Bruce Hogan."

"Dr. Rajesh Koothrappali, do you know Professor Bert Kibbler?"

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1 hour later.

"Here's a question for you Raj, when did you last play cricket?"

"I played a few social games at Cambridge but I haven't played seriously since I left India."

"What did you do, bat or bowl?"

"Tail end batsman but I bowled leg breaks and googlies, I was no Shane Warne."

"I bat in the middle order but I am no Sachin Tendulkar. I ask as I play for Caltech Cricket Club, Next month we have the annual staff versus students match. It is only a social match but both sides take it very seriously, the captain of the students team has delayed his PhD thesis defence a week so he can still play. We are a bit short of staff players this year, our star batsman has finished his postdoc and has returned to New Zealand. Do you fancy a game Shane?"

"Why not Sachin, it sounds fun. That reminds me that I have a PhD thesis to read when I get home, I am one of the examiners for an astronomy PhD next month."