Floodlights a boost for cricket at historic Oval

There will be no activity at the Oval this week however, as technicians responsible for the lights returned to access the focus of the lighting, intensity and the shadows on the field.

Last year, plans were revealed to install lights at the Oval in keeping with the recent redevelopment at the venue.

Queen’s Park Cricket Administrator, Bryan Davis was on hand when the lighting system was switched on and he described the moment as “very exciting” and noted that the lights have “added” to the Queen’s Park Oval.

“The lights modernises the Oval and has created a lovely atmosphere,” said Davis. He explained that the installation of lights at the Queen’s Park Oval was always on the cards but the process was delayed due to objections by residents living nearby.

Davis pointed out that the installation of lights is for the future and did not believe that it will attract more people to cricket.

“Lights were always the future because people now have less time to spare during the day. People can come to matches after work and watch a Twenty20 match which is three hours and is the attraction of the game..

“When the West Indies played South Africa a great deal of people showed up to watch the match because a top team was here and they were seeing good cricket.

“I do not think the lights will attract more people to cricket because people want to see good cricket,” said Davis.

The former West Indies player stated that club players would benefit from having lights at the ground.

“Club players do not have much access to playing under lights unless you are playing at Guaracara Park and you have to qualify to play there.

“I am certainly hoping that the board (TTCB) passes the use of white balls and black side screens so we can utilise the lights and have some night matches,” said Davis.