The upcoming day-night Test between the West Indies and Australia, set to take place at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica from 13–17 July, will mark the country’s first-ever pink-ball Test. While preparations are underway, some logistical issues could push readiness down to the wire.
One of the major challenges facing Cricket West Indies is the installation and final testing of floodlights required for the third and final Test of the Frank Worrell Trophy. The lighting project experienced several delays — initially planned for completion earlier this year, then by May — but the new floodlights have only recently been installed. During a recent test run, one section of the field, located near the Kingston Cricket Club stand, was found to be inadequately lit.
Sabina Park gears up to host the Pink-ball Test
Despite these setbacks, the Jamaica Cricket Association remains optimistic.
I’m pretty sure about that [being ready],” JCA president Dr Donovan Bennett told the Jamaica Observer last week. “I’m a little bit uneasy because I would have hoped that everything would have been completed by now but when you’re doing construction, as you go along there are a lot of unforeseen circumstances that you’re challenged with which will push you back and that’s exactly what has happened with the lights and the scoreboard.
“But we’re on target, I’m confident that we’ll be okay with both the lighting and the scoreboard for the 12th, when the games are scheduled, I’m sure we’ll be okay.”
This will be just the second day-night Test hosted in the Caribbean, the first being in Barbados against Sri Lanka in 2018.
Since the debut of the Pink-ball Test in 2015 with Australia vs New Zealand, 23 pink-ball Tests have been held. Australia has hosted 13, India three, with New Zealand, the UAE (hosted by Pakistan), South Africa, England, and now West Indies also joining the list.
For More Sports Realted News: Follow RevSportz