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| Windies Hope for Win in St. Kitts |
| By Sheena Brooks |
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Windies team |
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The West Indies cricket team is looking to reverse its recent fortunes by winning the second Digicel Test match against South Africa in St. Kitts this weekend (June 18 – 22).
The team’s management communicated through local cricket officials that as St. Kitts’ Warner ark Stadium has in the past been a favorable venue for the beleaguered Windies, the players were looking forward to winning the match.
The Windies 163-run loss to South Africa in their first encounter at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad on Sunday has local fans dubious that their team can pull off a win. The team has also lost several One-Day International and Twenty20 matches in recent times.
Selectors named the following players to the St. Kitts match: Chris Gayle (Captain), Dwayne Bravo (Vice Captain), Travis Dowlin, Brandan Nash, Shiv Chanderpaul, Narsingh Deonarine, Darren Bravo, Denesh Ramdin, Darren Sammy, Sulieman Benn, Shane Shillingford, Ravi Rampaul, Nelon Pascal, and Kemar Roach.
Gayle said the team’s batting needs to improve for the St. Kitts and Barbados matches.
“We batted poorly in the first innings and that actually cost us the game very quickly. We were up against quality bowlers and we knew it would not be easy. We needed to get more runs on the board in the first innings to be more competitive,” he said after the loss in Trinidad.
Both teams arrived in St. Kitts on Tuesday and have had two days of practice at the venue. Local Organizing Committee members assured that despite awaiting the final check by the match referee, Warner Park Stadium is ready.
“We are glad to be given the opportunity to host this match and we’re at a heightened state of readiness to deliver. The West Indies team has indicated their commitment to deliver and Warner Park is a venue that encourages that, so I anticipate that this is going to be the best match of the series,” said Conrad Kelly, LOC Chairman and president of the St. Kitts Cricket Association.
Security Head, Superintendent Robert Joseph spoke to the issue of safety at the venue, indicating that strict security measures would be in place on match days.
“The primary objective of the security forces is to make the venue safe so of course you will have the usually prohibited items such as guns, knives, illegal drugs, and glass bottles. Private security has been sought to bolster security during the matches. Persons can expect to go through security checks of their person, bags, coolers, etc., when they enter the venue and also upon re-entry,” he said.
Coolers and flags of certain sizes would be permitted, along with conch shells and iron band instruments that are synonymous with West Indies cricket fans’ cheering and support.
Traffic regulations for match days will see traffic flowing northward only on Victoria Road and no traffic flow in any direction along Lozack Road. Vehicles will be allowed to park on the left side of Victoria Road, but an open parking policy would be allowed for the adjoining and nearby streets.
Tickets are already on sale for the four-day event and are available at the Warner Park Ticketing Centre located on East Park Range. Ticket prices for Friday, June 18, and Monday, June 21, are EC$25 for stands; grounds, $15; and Players Pavilion, $30. On Saturday and Sunday, prices are $40 for stands; $20 for grounds; and $45 for the Players Pavilion. Season tickets are also available at $120. School children will pay half-price on tickets. Matches are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. each day.
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