Helicopter help to dry Bourda Oval ground

GEORGETOWN, Guyana: The opening one-day international  between the West Indies and England scheduled for today at Bourda may escape being spoiled by the rain. Umpires Eddie Nicholls of Guyana and Aleem Dar of Pakistan made a 5 pm  inspection yesterday and were encouraged by the rapid improvement in the condition of the Bourda outfield. Heavy rains have hit Guyana over the past two days.  

Grounds crews worked furiously through the day as bright sunshine helped their cause. A military helicopter also hovered over the field to quicken the drying process. The umpires have scheduled another inspection for 7.30 am today to determine whether play is possible. Tomorrow has been set aside as a reserve day in case of an abandonment today.