Test in time

Almost unnoticed, drowned by the frenetic and high octane Carnival celebrations, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is set to host its second Test Cricket match.{{more}}

Granted, the West Indies has not inspired much at all forms of the game to make attendance a priority. Additionally, their opposition, Bangladesh, is no better, as they are an emerging test nation. So it is two of a kind, both at the bottom tier of the test ladder, battling to climb above each other.

Our showpiece ground, the Arnos Vale One Playing Field, will be the place for the Digicel First Test from July 9 to 13.

The last time we hosted a Test match, our inaugural one, was back in 1997, when the Sri Lankans came to face the regional side.

But this country has for some time been a fixture on the regional itinerary for the annual tours by the other test playing nations. But we were restricted to hosting the One Day internationals.

However, things are changing rapidly, and that is no longer a certainty. The other venues in the Caribbean have upgraded their facilities, and their infrastructure is superior to ours.

Therefore, we here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines have to be thankful for small mercies.

The picturesque nature of Arnos Vale is no longer a selling card as the other factors such as hotel accommodation disqualify us from hosting the likes of England with the heavy presence of supporters.

Much, though, is stacked against us as we prepare to host this match. It comes at a time when the world economic earthquake is sending tremors all over. And, indeed we are feeling the aftershocks.

The ever rising cost of air fares, coupled with the fact that international Cricket comes to all the territories, then moving around is negated by both.

Also in the mix is that Test Cricket is being slow poisoned by Twenty/20, the fast food form of Cricket. With the changing tastes for such sporting products, the instantaneous gratification leads the way ahead of the five day wait for a result.

In any case, this country does not have the Cricket loving population to fill the 10,000 capacity Arnos Vale venue, and, moreso, people cannot afford to attend all five days, if the match endures its distance.

Surely, the 2007 Cricket World Cup, its restrictions on what should be carried to the grounds, has certainly had its crippling on an already flagging interest in Cricket in total.

In total, the test match will be our litmus test for future endeavours of that kind.

Despite this, we still have to make the best of the occasion. Of course, there will be folk, especially returning nationals for Carnival who will be still around and could use the opportunity to see some international Cricket.

There is still time, for Cricket can be sold as the Carnival Cool Down.

Did we forget to make it part of the Vincy Home Coming efforts?

Targetting English County teams for pre-season must be pursued with much fervour.

The appointment of a roving sports ambassador, one truly fitting of the post, can be the point person to help carry the process of marketing forward.

In addition, The National Sports Council must open up new revenue streams, as the central government, the National Lotteries Authority and intake from rentals are mere raindrops needed to make the Arnos Vale One Playing Field, a viable entity.

Opening it up to some of the big musical entertainment shows can be an option. And why not? If we are waiting for the venue to be filled through the hosting of a single sporting event, then we just have to awake out of our slumber.

But there is still no reprieve for the decision makers of that “Mound” at the Sion Hill Playing Field.

email: kingroache@yahoo.com