Antigua step up preparations for Test series against India

St. John’s (Antigua): Antigua has began preparing to host a Test match during the upcoming India series in anticipation of getting official word from the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB). Sports Minister EP Chet Greene has said they had got “verbal information” that the tour would go ahead. Officials at the island’s premier cricket venue, the Vivian Richards Stadium, had started putting things in place, reports CMC. “We are waiting for the official communique but the verbal information is yes, the Test series is happening,” Greene told the Observer newspaper. “But even at the level of preparation at the stadium we have already started the work because we don’t want to get the announcement and then we find ourselves short of time.” Phil Simmons hints at strained relationship with WICB President Dave Cameron

WICB president Dave Cameron confirmed in March the four-Test tour would go ahead in July and August but specific dates and venues have not been announced. The tour had been in jeopardy for some time after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) suspended bilateral ties with the WICB following the controversial abandoned tour of India two years ago. Antigua last hosted a Test during England’s tour of the Caribbean in 2015, when the first Test ended in a tense draw. Greene praised the stadium team for their commitment to moving quickly to spruce up preparations.

Meanwhile, West Indies head coach Phil Simmons has hinted at a strained relationship with both West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) president Dave Cameron and its director of cricket Richard Pybus ever since he was suspended for controversial comments about team selection last September. Simmons revealed while there was communication with both officials, it was not extensive and pointed out there had been no personal congratulatory messages on the recent Twenty20 World Cup success, reports CMC.