One particular major advantage the West Indies gain from internet hosting ICC Cricket Planet Cup 2007 was the advancement of the cricket infrastructure close to the Caribbean. The tournament arrived at a time when cricket grounds needed a main upgrade and with cricket probably at its most affordable ebb.
So when Kensington Oval the Mecca of West Indies cricket submitted a effective bid to host the finals of the Cricket Entire world Cup, every person new what a substantial job was at hand. And when in 2005 right after a hundred and ten years of 1st course cricket the ground was close, to commence what was an severe make above in time for cricket world cup enthusiasts waited with baited breath.
Following a year of weighty design Kensington Oval was reopen on Saturday February 17th 2007 with a spectacle befitting a cricket floor that has performed host to many magical cricket moments.
What followers noticed of the new Kensington Oval was nothing quick of miraculous, rebuilt at the monumental price of a hundred thirty million pounds? The New Kensington Oval stands as a reminder of the dedication of the federal government and men and women of Barbados to a sport and a facility that has brought Pleasure and glory to this modest Caribbean nation.
The principal attraction of the Kensington Oval brand name has always been its rich cricket background. This small personal cricket ground has been the home of some of the most legendary cricketers to stroll this earth. Kensington Oval has also been the venue of some of the most magical times in cricket history.
One only has to go to the ground and just take a appear at the names prominently shown on each and every stand and you will be transported into a area of nostalgia, names these kinds of as Garfield Sobers, the 3W’s Months, Worrell and Walcott, Corridor and Griffith, Greenidge and Haynes, Marshall and Garner, all reflect Barbados as a cricketing powerhouse.
As Kensington Oval started a new innings with the Kensington Permanently spectacle, which showcased past greats, West Indian supporters will hope and pray that the magnificence of this rebuild cricket venue will encourage long term gamers to produce more priceless cricket times this sort of as people reached in the previous:
Dennis Atkinson and Clairmonte Depeiza 1955 match saving stand of 347 for the seventh wicket against an Australian assault, which incorporate Ray Lindwall, Keith Miller and Richie Benaud.
The optimum Take a look at rating at the Kensington Oval is 337 by Hanif Mohammad for Pakistan in opposition to the West Indies in 1958.
Lance Gibbs greatest bowling figures of 8/38 reached in opposition to India in 1962.
Lawrence Rowe 302 in 1974 from England describe by the numerous supporters that noticed it as one of the finest innings in cricket history.
Jeff Thomson fiery spell of quickly bowling in 1978, which accounted for the wickets of Gordon Greenidge, Viv Richards and Alvin Kallicharan and received the hearts of the Barbadian fans.
Cricket Fast Line at any time in 1981 when he tormented Geoff Boycott with the initial five balls and then thoroughly clean bowled him with the final ball of that identical in excess of to send out the Barbadian group into frenzy.
Curtly Ambrose eight for forty five against England in 1990 that won the match and the collection for the West Indies.
And in 1999 Brian Lara serving a three-match probation from the West Indies Cricket Board performed a single of the most majestic Examination match innings at any time performed. He created 153 not out against the mighty Australians the innings was proclaimed by Wisden as one of the 5 best Check innings of all time.
And maybe the most prestigious match the ground has ever hosted the 2007 Cricket Entire world Cup final in between planet champions Australia and Sri Lanka. Given that then Kensington Oval has been mainly idle hosting only the finals of Sir Garfield Sobers match, a hockey tournament and some demo matches for the Barbados cricket group.
As we seem to restart worldwide cricket at Kensington Oval in 2008 we appear forward to much more outstanding performances that will keep on the legacy of this excellent floor. Our only hope is that the new era of West Indies cricketers dwell up to the large specifications set by the legends of this fantastic match.