Sabina pitch inspection by ICC - No way, says WICB (18 Jun 1998)

18 June 1998

No way, says WICB

The Jamaica Gleaner

The West Indies Cricket Board has told the International Cricket Council that it cannot and will not accept any examination of the Sabina Park pitch - not unless the game's governing body decides to inspect all pitches.

In January, the first Test of the series between the West Indies and England was abandoned after 55 minutes play when the umpires ruled the Sabina Park pitch dangerous and unfit for play, and in its reaction to the first Test match to be abandoned because of the condition of the pitch, the ICC said recently said that it would have to inspect the pitch before another Test match is played there.

"We do not believe that is fair," said Rousseau yesterday. "Our situation, which was supported by Australia, is that if you inspect one pitch, then you should inspect all pitches. It was decided to refer the matter to a special committee for further examination."

According to Rousseau, when the issue was raised, the West Indies delegation gave an update on the problem, explained what is being done to correct what went wrong, and promised that it would never happen again.

"It is the responsibility of the host country to prepare the pitch for a Test match and to ensure that it is up to standard," said Rousseau. "Once it is up to standard, once the host country says it is, there should be no need for inspection. And the Australians agreed."

The next Test series in the West Indies will be against Australia, and the second Test is scheduled for Sabina Park from March 13 to 17.

In a release on Monday, however, the West Indies Board stated that the Test match will be played at Sabina Park pending inspection and match testing.

The Sabina Park pitch was relayed in preparation for the England Test, it is now being relayed again, and according to the committee in charge, it will be ready for play by the end of August.

Source :: The Jamaica Gleaner (https://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/)