IT has turned out to be a game of two halves, sportswise, today for those of us with access to STAR TV.
The bad news is that the scheduled coverage of England and India's first one-day cricket international had to be cancelled for the simple reason that the match itself has been cancelled - a victim of the religious riots sweeping through the country. STARdoes intend, however, to show the remaining five (or six if re-scheduling is done) matches.
The good news is that barring any other act of God, sports fans are in for a real highlight in the shape of Five Nations Rugby (Prime Sport, 10.30pm).
Following the success of last year's World Cup, rugby union has enjoyed a growth in international popularity. Tonight brings the opening round of matches in the annual battle to find the top team in the northern hemisphere.
Will Carling's impressive England side will be going for an unprecedented third Grand Slam this year, but first they must overcome the talented but erratic French at Twickenham in a match which promises to be a thriller. Later, in a game which will be shown ''delayed live'' at 12.30 am, underdogs Ireland take on Scotland at Murrayfield.
NOEL Coward was awarded a special Oscar for his ''outstanding production achievement'' for the 1942 British classic In Which We Serve (STAR Plus 2.30pm, Original Running Time 115 minutes).
David Lean (Lawrence of Arabia) made his directing debut with this film which relates, through flashbacks, the story of men fighting on a British battle ship in World War II.