ST JOHN’S – Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association president Leon Rodney says the country is ready to host the curtain-raiser for the upcoming three-match Test Series between West Indies and England.
Speaking in the local media yesterday, the ABCA chief said the cricket-loving island had all systems in place for the five-day event which is set to bowl off on Monday at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium.
“We will have everything in place for the players and officials and fans from all over the world to enjoy the experience at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Grounds,” Rodney told Observer Radio.
“We are a hospitable people and we love our cricket and we are serious about setting high standards as we host this match.”
Rodney, a former Antigua and Barbuda and Leeward Islands coach, backed the idea that the opening day of the Test be declared a public holiday.
Reportedly, there have been discussions at government level to facilitate this move but authorities are yet to decide.
“I don’t think it’s a bad call. With the England Test series, giving Monday off won’t be considered a waste day or being unproductive. It would give the local people a chance to go out and support their team,” Rodney contended.
“The ground is in lovely shape. We have a professional team working to get things right for the start of the match.
“The Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association is doing all it can, with the assistance of the government and the people, to make sure we have a great start to the series.”
Original estimates suggest that between 2 000 and 3 000 visitors, most of them from Britain, are expected on the island for the match.
Antigua suffered embarrassment in 2009 when the Test match between West Indies and England had to be abandoned after just ten deliveries because of a sandy outfield at Vivian Richards Cricket Ground that was deemed unfit for play.
The game was moved to the ancestral home at the Antigua Recreational Ground where the teams played to a close draw.
Rodney urged Antiguans to turn out in their numbers and support the upcoming contest.
“We urge the people to come out and support the Test match in Antigua and the West Indies team. We want to back the team,” he said.
“The best day would be the Monday – the opening day of the match and the start of the series. It would be a chance to give that absolute momentum and full support to our team and tell them, ‘Go out and beat up the English team’.” (CMC)
