Arnos Vale Playing Field back in business

The Arnos Vale Playing Field is once again the venue of a One-Day International cricket match. The picturesque ground, which underwent major refurbishment for warm-up matches ahead of this year’s World Cup, will host the first One-Day International, West Indies versus world champion, Australia, June 24, next year.{{more}}

The last One-Day International played here was in 2005, when the West Indies played Pakistan.

Australia last engaged the West Indies at Arnos Vale in an ODI was in 1999. St. Vincent and the Grenadines was not in the reckoning last year when India visited the region. Then, the Arnos Vale ground was under reconstruction. It could be a welcome return for the struggling West Indies, who has won 14 of the 16 ODIs played at the Arnos Vale venue. The first ODI was played in 1981, and the scheduled June 24, 2008, meeting, would be the 17th such Internationals to be played there.

Australia’s stay spans May 12 to July 7.The undisputed world champion plays two Tests, five ODIs, two tour matches and a historic Twenty/20 International set for the Kensington Oval in Barbados, on the night of June 21.

The Arnos Vale Playing Field has not been a happy hunting ground for the Australians, as they have never won an ODI that venue.

Also in line for hosting at Arnos Vale, with a new capacity of 12 000, would be the Carib Beer match, January 4-7, when the Windwards meets Barbados.

Australia’s visit forms the second part of the international tours to the Caribbbean. Preceding the Australians would be the Sri Lankans, who are set to visit from March 14, to April 17. They play two Tests and three ODIs, along with two three-day tour matches.