One particular key gain the West Indies achieve from web hosting ICC Cricket Entire world Cup 2007 was the improvement of the cricket infrastructure about the Caribbean. The match came at a time when cricket grounds necessary a major upgrade and with cricket perhaps 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 World Cup, everyone new what a enormous process was at hand. And when in 2005 following a hundred and ten many years of first class cricket the ground was shut, to start off what was an intense make above in time for cricket planet cup supporters waited with baited breath.
Following a 12 months of large design Kensington Oval was reopen on Saturday February 17th 2007 with a spectacle befitting a cricket ground that has played host to many magical cricket moments.
What supporters noticed of the new Kensington Oval was absolutely nothing quick of miraculous, rebuilt at the monumental cost of a hundred thirty million bucks? The New Kensington Oval stands as a reminder of the dedication of the govt and men and women of Barbados to a sport and a facility that has brought Pleasure and glory to this small Caribbean nation.
The primary attraction of the Kensington Oval brand name has often been its abundant cricket background. This tiny intimate cricket ground has been the house of some of the most legendary cricketers to walk this earth. Kensington Oval has also been the location of some of the most magical times in cricket history.
A single only has to pay a visit to the floor and consider a search at the names prominently exhibited on each stand and you will be transported into a area of nostalgia, names this kind of as Garfield Sobers, the 3W’s Weeks, Worrell and Walcott, Hall and Griffith, Greenidge and Haynes, Marshall and Garner, all mirror Barbados as a cricketing powerhouse.
As Kensington Oval began a new innings with the Kensington Eternally spectacle, which featured previous greats, West Indian fans will hope and pray that the magnificence of this rebuild cricket venue will inspire future players to generate more priceless cricket moments these kinds of as people accomplished in the previous:
Dennis Atkinson and Clairmonte Depeiza 1955 match saving stand of 347 for the seventh wicket from an Australian attack, which incorporate Ray Lindwall, Keith Miller and Richie Benaud.
The greatest Examination score at the Kensington Oval is 337 by Hanif Mohammad for Pakistan against the West Indies in 1958.
Lance Gibbs best bowling figures of 8/38 accomplished in opposition to India in 1962.
Lawrence Rowe 302 in 1974 towards England describe by the numerous fans that observed it as a single of the greatest innings in cricket historical past.
Jeff Thomson fiery spell of quick bowling in 1978, which accounted for the wickets of Gordon Greenidge, Viv Richards and Alvin Kallicharan and received the hearts of the Barbadian fans.
Michael Holdings very best more than ever in 1981 when he tormented Geoff Boycott with the first 5 balls and then cleanse bowled him with the very last ball of that exact same above to deliver the Barbadian group into frenzy.
Curtly Ambrose 8 for forty five from England in 1990 that gained the match and the series for the West Indies.
And in 1999 Brian Lara serving a 3-match probation from the West Indies Cricket Board performed one particular of the most majestic Test match innings at any time played. He manufactured 153 not out towards the mighty Australians the innings was proclaimed by Wisden as 1 of the five greatest Examination innings of all time.
And possibly the most prestigious match the ground has at any time hosted the 2007 Cricket World Cup last between world champions Australia and Sri Lanka. Because then Pakistan Super League has been mainly idle web hosting only the finals of Sir Garfield Sobers tournament, a hockey event and some demo matches for the Barbados cricket group.
As we seem to restart international cricket at Kensington Oval in 2008 we search ahead to a lot more amazing performances that will carry on the legacy of this fantastic floor. Our only hope is that the new technology of West Indies cricketers live up to the higher expectations set by the legends of this excellent match.