ICC delighted with ground success

The International Cricket Council have praised those responsible for the swift organisation of the third Test between West Indies and England after the original second Test in Antigua had to be abandoned.

The match, which finished as a draw yesterday, was held at the Recreation Ground, a venue which had not staged a Test for three years but was prepared at late notice after the match at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium was scrapped due to an unfit outfield.

ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat was delighted a match could be salvaged and said today: “After such a thrilling match I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who made it possible.

“The two teams and the playing control team showed willingness to get on and play at a venue which hadn’t staged a Test match in three years while local officials, including Andy Roberts and ARG curator Keith Frederick, plus countless volunteers made the ground fit for play inside 48 hours.

The groundstaff at the Antigua Recreation Ground worked tirelessly to ensure a game could be played

“And thanks must also go to the broadcasters, who pulled out all the stops to ensure the Test match was covered despite huge logistical challenges.

“All these people typified the great spirit of cricket, made Thursday’s exciting conclusion possible and every cricket fan that enjoyed the match and the finish will be grateful for their efforts.”

Lorgat hailed the travelling supporters for their patience and insisted lessons would be learned from the second Test debacle.

“I am especially pleased for all the England fans who travelled from far and wide only to experience great inconvenience and anxiety,” he added.

“Cricket owes them an apology and I’m delighted they finally got to see a great Test match.

“A week ago we were all downcast after that disastrous abandonment which brought a great deal of unwanted negative publicity to the game.

“We never want a repeat of that situation and next week we will start the process of seeing what lessons we can learn from it when the matter will be discussed by the ICC Chief Executives’ Committee in Johannesburg.”