Old-school charm meets new-age needs

The Queen’s Park Oval has struck me as a funny sort of ground. Not in a bad way, but in an interesting way. It is how I imagined Caribbean stadiums to be, a bit of a hotch-potch of stands but full of character.

In that way it is a little like the ARG as opposed to the manufactured monstrosity at North Sound. Redevelopment work was done prior to the 2007 World Cup, but the stands haven’t been replaced by concrete blocks. The main work was done on the pavilion, renamed earlier this match under Brian Lara’s name, and last year floodlights went in. So the ground has been brought up to modern levels yet still retains the older charm.

There is grass banking that runs around the boundary, but no beach this time. The pool that was in occupation at Kingston and the Kensington Oval would no doubt have been a welcome addition as the visiting fans sweated in the heat and humidity, although there are few complaints when they see the forecast from back home.

The most famous part of the ground is the Trini Posse Stand (although, sadly, it hasn’t been able to escape commercialisation) and it provides plenty of entertainment. The lower level is well packed with England fans who have enjoyed the presence of the energetic dancing girls. During lunch intervals they join in with the singing and dancing, although quite what the locals make of their efforts is unclear.

Again it has been a shame to see so many empty seats, although the way West Indies went about their cricket on the first two days certainly wasn’t a crowd-puller. Apparently the Twenty20 here next weekend will be a sell-out, so it seems the sort, sharp burst of action is what they want.

However, there was a valid reason for one of the sections to be completely vacant on the third morning. The top level of the RBTT Stand was closed after it was found that the staircase which runs up the side was coming away from the structure. Everyone with tickets was shifted to the Dos Santos and Jeffrey Stollmeyer Stands, but apparently the problem will be solved in time for the Twenty20 by some simple welding. They may just want to double check it when they’ve finished.