Concern over Oval One-Day pitch

PORT OF SPAIN: Former West Indies batsman Bryan Davis believes that the inclement weather which has afflicted the island in recent days could impact on preparation of the pitches for this weekend’s second and third One-Day Internationals between West Indies and England at Queen’s Park Oval.

Davis supervises the preparation of pitches at the Queen’s Park Oval and is concerned the weather may not allow his staff to complete an adequate job. “We only started preparing the pitch on Tuesday, but the pitch already had a foundation, so as the first of the dry weather came, with some heavy rolling it started to take shape,” Davis told CMC Sports. Davis’ main concern, however, was about the outfield that, until yesterday, still had water on the surface from the heavy rains, but disappeared after a long period of sunshine yesterday morning.

“But now, with this heavy torrential downpour that we are having at present, we are in trouble again,” he said. “If we have more rain, it could have an effect on the two matches. The pitch is well covered, but the outfield is very soft because of the unseasonal rain, and very heavy.” Meanwhile, West Indies captain Brian Lara will know today whether or not he will be fit for this weekend’s matches. West Indies manager Tony Howard said the 10 days recommended for the fractured little finger on Lara’s right hand to heal properly ends today. (CMC)