Venues in great shape with U19 World Cup on horizon

As the days wind down to the opening of the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in Guyana, Cricket West Indies’ (CWI) Regional Curator Kent Crafton is a busy man. He says he is pleased with the state of local grounds that would host practice and official matches.

On Wednesday afternoon, at the National Stadium, Providence, he gave a brief overview of the condition of several local grounds, that would be utilised for the marquee international event.
“Preparation has been a bit difficult, especially with the weather conditions we have had, but we have come a long, long way. I’m saying today, after visiting the venues, I’m pleased that we are getting there, and for sure we’ll be ready for our sessions on Friday,” Crafton shared.
Crafton, who arrived in Guyana on Monday last, has hit the ground running and has since taken a look at all of the official and practice venues, noting that he is pleased with the work Guyana has been able to pull off.
The Regional Curator even took the time to break down the crucial factors of each ground. Addressing the grounds being used as practice venues, Crafton disclosed, “I must say those grounds have really improved. I’m quite pleased with how GCC has come along. Actually, this morning, we could have had practice there, if it was scheduled for this morning.”
“DCC, just a little concern, but with the weather we’re having, I’m sure it will dry out nicely. Enmore is another ground that has potential. It has improved a lot, and the drying process is continuing. By tomorrow, we could be in a playing condition.
“Police ground is always one of the better practice venues, it’s a little bit high on elevation, and I find that it dries really, really nice, and we never had any major concerns about Police actually.”
Moving on to the official match venues, he elaborated, “Everest, they’ve had a long process of working on the outfield, which is paying off right now. It drains really nicely. So, the major thing now is the final pitch preparation, which is ongoing right now, and I’m really satisfied with Everest.”
“For sure, here at Providence, a ground that we never had too many issues with, some improvement work has been done since our international games. Some maintenance, which will improve the surface drainage. So, again too, we’re ready at Providence,” the Regional Curator concluded.
Quizzed by this publication about the pitch conditions in Guyana, Crafton responded that they are on-par and should be fully prepared by tomorrow.
“Right now, the pitch preparation is ongoing and we’re into the final stage of the pitch preparation. I’m sure you’ve realised the amount of rain we’ve had for the past few weeks, so that means there’s a lot of moisture deep down, through the sections of those pitch blocks.”
Crafton continued, “So, our water on the surfaces were limited, we’re just trying to get it as dry as possible and then most of the venues that will be used on Friday, by tomorrow (today) we’ll be doing some sealing off at the top. Just a light sprinkle at the top and tighten at the top as well as we can,”
Practice sessions for the World Cup in Guyana will commence on Friday, January 7, with the first warm-up match on Sunday January 9. The tournament will bowl off on Friday, January 14 at the National Stadium, Providence. (Jemima Holmes)