Lara expected to light up Angostura Classic

Inclement weather yesterday washed out  the second match of the Angostura Classic one-dayer at the National Cricket Centre, Balmain. But fans will be hoping for better weather today when West Indies skipper Brian Lara turns out for the final match. Lara, who recently returned from playing in Barbados and Bermuda is very keen to have a knock before the Red Stripe Bowl regional limited overs tournament. The selectors up until yesterday evening were undecided on which team he will play for. Yesterday rain came at 9.10 am and interrupted the players’ warm-up session before the starting time of 9.30 am. The short sharp shower didn’t adversely affect the outfield and play was expected to get underway soon after. However another shower came before the start and drenched the lush outfield. With the players needing vital practice before the Red Stripe series, there was hope that play could have started later in the day but the rain persisted and the umpires officially called off play 2.30 pm.

The players however didn’t remain idle as they visited the  Indoor Nets at the Sir Frank Worrell Cricket Centre and got some meaningful practice. At present the  XS Eleven led by Test spinner Dinanath Ramnarine lead the series 1-0 over the Rush XI with Daren Ganga at the helm. Rush XI cannot win the series again but they could force a stalemate with victory today. XS Eleven can walk away with the trophy and first prize of  $4,500 should they claim a win today. The second prize is $3,000. If the series ends 1-1 then the prize money will be shared by the teams. Meanwhile the national selectors will meet after the match today to decide on 14 players who will continue to prepare for the Red Stripe Bowl. The squad is expected to be announced early in the week after being ratified by the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB). After the players’ names are released they will go into camp at the NCC.