WICB CEO queries ground conditions at Oval

Only 22 overs were possible on the opening day of the fourth and final Test match on Thursday before heavy rainfall at the Oval stopped play with West Indies on 62 for two batting first. No play has been possible since, as the second, third and yesterday’s fourth day were all abandoned due to a saturated outfield.

There were long periods of sun during the match which raised concerns over the drainage at the venue.

Muirhead has asked Queen’s Park why there was no play since the first day and he is hoping to get a response over the next few days.

In an interview with Newsday yesterday Muirhead stated, “we are very disappointed to the state of no play. We are concerned but I can’t say why it happened.” He added, “Queen’s Park has promised to get in touch with me.

I will like to know why the ground is how it is.” Muirhead explained that the WICB can’t get involved much during the match because it’s the match referee’s decision to stop the match if the conditions are not up to mark.

It is the rainy season in Trinidad and Tobago currently with a lot of rainfall drenching the Queen’s Park Oval since June. Asked whether the WICB pays attention to the amount of rainfall in TT this time of year Muirhead said the weather patterns are changing on a regular basis. “Yes we do (take weather into consideration).

We claim that there is rain there and rain there but weather conditions are changing so often.” Many have criticised the lack of modern equipment at the Queen’s Park Oval including former West Indies batting legend Sir Viv Richards who is doing television commentary during the series. In a previous report Richards stated, “folks here have some questions to answer. Not having a super sopper is unacceptable.” Muirhead said the WICB tries to ensure that grounds throughout the Caribbean are ready to host international matches. “We have been to these grounds so many times. For every ground we ensure that they are prepared.

We certainly ensure that they are equipped with necessary tools.” The TT and West Indies fans are hoping some play is possible in today’s final day at the Oval. India hold a 2-0 lead in the series.

In related news, Pakistan will be the number one ranked Test team when the International Cricket Council rankings are released today.

India needed to win this series against the Windies by a 3-0 margin to maintain the top spot.

India displaced Australia at the top the rankings on Wednesday, but their reign have only lasted less than a week.