Match abandoned

A fan makes his own entertainment on the sodden outfield of the Queen's Park Oval © Getty Images Enlarge

Last Sunday's game was a truncated affair, yesterday's lasted just 16 overs, but the third one-day international was the shortest of the lot. Light showers and consistently overcast conditions compounded the effects of Saturday's torrential downpour, and the match was washed out without a ball being bowled.

After an inspection at 11am local time (3pm GMT), the umpires decided to take a further look one hour later, but to no avail. The players had been resigned to that outcome for most of the day, although the crowds still turned out regardless, just to catch a glimpse of their local hero, Brian Lara, who spent much of the afternoon signing autographs on the boundary edge.

Lara, who returned to action a week ahead of schedule after resting up his damaged finger, has been the centre of all attentions in Trinidad, ever since he reclaimed his world record in the fourth Test in Antigua. He did not have a chance to bat yesterday, as West Indies reached 57 for 2 before the abandonment, and sadly for his fans, the elements conspired against them once again.