From correspondents in London, England, 09:31 PM IST

Tickets for Sunday's ICC Twenty20 cricket match between India and England were going for an astounding 200 pounds.

Desperate Indian supporters crowded the Lord's cricket venue for the Super Eight match, eager to cough up any amount for a place in the Mecca of cricket.

Thousands of Indian supporters, who call themselves the Barmy Army, had booked tickets well in advance of the day, but many failed to turn up for the first tie at Lord's - between Ireland and Sri Lanka.

With tickets entitling spectators to two matches, many seats remained empty during the Ireland-Sri Lanka tie, prompting media commentators to wonder if Indian supporters had stayed back at home.

However, the Indian supporters were at Lord's - they were just not at their seats, choosing instead to down glasses of champagne and beer while Sri Lanka battled it out with Ireland.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)