One particular key benefit the West Indies achieve from internet hosting ICC Cricket Globe Cup 2007 was the development of the cricket infrastructure around the Caribbean. The match came at a time when cricket grounds essential a key up grade and with cricket probably at its most affordable ebb.
So when Kensington Oval the Mecca of West Indies cricket submitted a successful bid to host the finals of the Cricket Planet Cup, every person new what a substantial activity was at hand. And when in 2005 following 110 years of initial class cricket the floor was close, to begin what was an intense make over in time for cricket globe cup fans waited with baited breath.
Right after a yr of large design Kensington Oval was reopen on Saturday February 17th 2007 with a spectacle befitting a cricket ground that has performed host to many magical cricket times.
What supporters observed of the new Kensington Oval was practically nothing quick of miraculous, rebuilt at the monumental value of a hundred thirty million bucks? The New Kensington Oval stands as a reminder of the commitment of the govt and individuals of Barbados to a activity and a facility that has brought Pleasure and glory to this small Caribbean nation.
The major attraction of the Kensington Oval brand has always been its abundant cricket history. who is the baap of ipl has been the house of some of the most famous cricketers to stroll this earth. Kensington Oval has also been the location of some of the most magical moments in cricket history.
1 only has to pay a visit to the floor and take a seem at the names prominently exhibited on every stand and you will be transported into a place of nostalgia, names such as Garfield Sobers, the 3W’s Weeks, Worrell and Walcott, Hall and Griffith, Greenidge and Haynes, Marshall and Garner, all reflect Barbados as a cricketing powerhouse.
As Kensington Oval began 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 inspire future players to make much more priceless cricket times such as people attained in the past:
Dennis Atkinson and Clairmonte Depeiza 1955 match preserving stand of 347 for the seventh wicket from an Australian assault, which incorporate Ray Lindwall, Keith Miller and Richie Benaud.
The maximum Test rating at the Kensington Oval is 337 by Hanif Mohammad for Pakistan towards the West Indies in 1958.
Lance Gibbs greatest bowling figures of eight/38 reached from India in 1962.
Lawrence Rowe 302 in 1974 towards England explain by the many followers that saw it as 1 of the best innings in cricket background.
Jeff Thomson fiery spell of fast bowling in 1978, which accounted for the wickets of Gordon Greenidge, Viv Richards and Alvin Kallicharan and won the hearts of the Barbadian followers.
Michael Holdings ideal above at any time in 1981 when he tormented Geoff Boycott with the initial 5 balls and then clear bowled him with the very last ball of that exact same above to send out the Barbadian crowd into frenzy.
Curtly Ambrose eight for 45 against England in 1990 that received the match and the sequence for the West Indies.
And in 1999 Brian Lara serving a a few-match probation from the West Indies Cricket Board performed 1 of the most majestic Test match innings ever performed. He manufactured 153 not out from the mighty Australians the innings was proclaimed by Wisden as one particular of the 5 biggest Test innings of all time.
And probably the most prestigious match the floor has at any time hosted the 2007 Cricket Planet Cup last in between planet champions Australia and Sri Lanka. Since then Kensington Oval has been mainly idle internet hosting only the finals of Sir Garfield Sobers tournament, a hockey tournament and some trial matches for the Barbados cricket staff.
As we look to restart global cricket at Kensington Oval in 2008 we look ahead to far more excellent performances that will continue the legacy of this wonderful floor. Our only hope is that the new generation of West Indies cricketers dwell up to the higher requirements set by the legends of this excellent match.