ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Cricket West Indies (CWI) believes historic Kensington Oval is the ideal venue to host the Caribbean’s maiden day/night Test.
The Oval, located in Bridgetown, will be the stage of next month’s ground-breaking third Test between West Indies and Sri Lanka which will be played under lights.
“It could not have been played in a better venue than the iconic Kensington Oval and it will be an extra special occasion, as the match starts on the 90th anniversary of the first-ever Test in the Caribbean which was also played there,” CWI chief executive, Johnny Grave, said.
“We know Barbadians are renowned for their love of the game and we hope that they will come out in their numbers and pack the stands, but we also urge Windies fans from around the region and, indeed, the world to come and make this a truly special occasion.”
Sri Lanka arrive in the Caribbean at month end for a three-Test series which will mark their fourth bilateral tour of the region.
They open at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad June 6-10 before travelling to St Lucia for the second Test from June 14 to 18.
Kensington Oval will then host the final Test from June 23 to 27, and Grave believes it will help offer a new experience to patrons.
“We have successfully staged day/night, first-class matches over the last few seasons in the Regional Four-Day tournament and we are thrilled to now be hosting the first day/night Test ever in the Caribbean, as a way to offer our fans a different experience and a chance to be part of the game,” the Englishman said.
Sri Lanka have toured the region three times and played six Tests but the match represents the first time they will play a Test at the iconic stadium.
The Asian side have won one, lost three and drawn two of their six Tests in the Caribbean.
West Indies have already played two day/night Tests, the first against Pakistan in Dubai two years ago and the second against England at Edgbaston last August.
