15 Feb 2009

England - Windies Test abandoned

7:42 am on 15 February 2009

A new Test between the West Indies and England will get underway on Sunday at the Antigua Recreation Ground according to ICC match referee Alan Hurst.

The opening day of the second Test was abandoned after just 10 balls because of a dangerous outfield at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground with England batting and on 0-7.

The ARG previously hosted 21 Tests between 1981 and 2006 before the VRCG replaced it two years ago ahead of the World Cup in the Caribbean.

It is the second time a game in the Caribbean has been abandoned because of the poor state of the ground.

In 1998 match officials abandoned the first test between West Indies and England at Sabina Park because of an unplayable pitch after the visiting batsmen were hit on the body several times in 10.1 overs.