WI vs AUS: Jamaica's 1st Ever Pink-Ball Test – Will Lights Be Ready?!
Colaboradores
Jamaica is buzzing with anticipation as Sabina Park prepares to host its first-ever pink-ball Test match between the West Indies and Australia from July 13-17. This historic event is the third and final Test of the Frank Worrell Trophy, but preparations are facing a race against time to ensure everything is ready.
Floodlight Installation: A Race Against Time
Cricket West Indies is working hard to complete the installation and testing of new floodlights at Sabina Park. These lights are crucial for the day-night Test format. The project has faced several delays, initially slated for completion earlier in the year, then pushed to May. However, the floodlights have only recently been installed.
A recent test run revealed that one section of the field, near the Kingston Cricket Club stand, wasn't adequately lit. This poses a significant challenge as the deadline approaches.
Optimism Despite Setbacks
Despite the challenges, the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) remains optimistic. JCA president Dr. Donovan Bennett expressed confidence that everything will be ready by the scheduled date. He acknowledged unforeseen circumstances during construction but assured that they are on target.
“I’m pretty sure about that [being ready],” Dr. Bennett told the Jamaica Observer. “I’m a little bit uneasy because I would have hoped that everything would have been completed by now but when you’re doing construction, as you go along there are a lot of unforeseen circumstances that you’re challenged with which will push you back and that’s exactly what has happened with the lights and the scoreboard.”
This will be only the second day-night Test hosted in the Caribbean. The first was in Barbados against Sri Lanka in 2018.
Pink-Ball Tests: A Growing Trend
Since the debut of the pink-ball Test in 2015 between Australia and New Zealand, 23 such matches have been held. Australia has hosted the most (13), followed by India (3). New Zealand, the UAE (hosted by Pakistan), South Africa, England, and now West Indies have also joined the list of nations hosting these exciting day-night contests.
Will Sabina Park be ready in time? Cricket fans around the world are watching closely as Jamaica prepares for this historic moment.