Following the decision to completely remake the four pitches at Guyana’s only international cricket venue, the Guyana National Stadium located at Providence, East Bank Demerara Stadium Manager, Anthony Xavier has indicated that the works are 50% completed.
Presently, the four pitches located on the square of the cricket field have been relayed and is in a setting phase.
Since the inaugural game, back in March 2007 when the stadium featured a World Cup match between Sri Lanka and South Africa, the pitch was the topic of much criticism on its slowness an
The repainted exit stairways in the red stand
d lowness.
When Guyana Times Sport visited the Stadium, the recently laid dirt was being heavily soaked.
This comes after the old pitches were dug up and a fresh bed of stone and other materials were placed as part of the preparation process.
The overall outcome is to have a pitch that mirrors the practice pitches which provide a better bounce and slower deterioration rate when compared to its previous state.
It is no secret that while Guyana has a slow and low pitch, the outfield is one of the fastest drying in the world and if the works done on the pitch are to exceed expectations Guyana has the potential to be one of the most sought after grounds in the Caribbean.
Additionally, the works are expected to produce a consistent bounce and carry much to liking of both batsmen and bowlers.
According to Xavier there is no rush to hurry the works, but rather time is treated wisely to produce a world class product.
Xavier indicated, however, that the project is heading into one of the more tender stages, as the laying of the grass is a delicate and technical procedure but is confident that the project will be completed in October.
Additionally, finishing touches are also being done to the already 95 percent compete paint job to the external stairways of the stands.
The project is expected to be completed in time to facilitate Guyana’s hosting of West Indies Cricket Board’s Professional Cricket League Regional Four Day matches which begins in November. The first match to be hosted in the new season is expected to be on November 11.
The pitches at Providence are renowned for its spin friendly conditions and quite often lead to low scoring affairs. The Providence stadium has a capacity of 15,000 making it one of the largest in the region.
It also is the home ground for the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Caribbean Premier League.
Only Sri Lanka has managed to break the 400-run mark at the world recognized ground all the way back in 2008.
It is no surprise that the likes of Sunil Narine and Saeed Ajaml, both off spinners and former number one bowlers had dominated at Providence.
