Pitch should favour batters - Habib

Pitch should favour batters – Habib

Mar 19, 2009 Sports

– All systems are ready -Xavier

Ground staff Wasim Habib seen using the heavy roller on the pitch to be used for tomorrow

With just over 24 hours to go before the start of the first ODI between the West Indies and England at the Guyana National Stadium, Head of the ground staff at the Guyana National Stadium Hardat Thomas and his assistant Wasim Habib are both predicting a fast outfield and a good cricket pitch.

According to Habib, who is chiefly responsible for preparations of the pitch, fans should expect a high scoring affair since the track is expected to favour the batters. “I feel that a target in the vicinity of 250-270 runs should be very competitive, but that does not mean that early on, it will not assist the bowlers,” Habib said.
He disclosed that preparations started just after the last regional game between Guyana and the Windward Islands and in his opinion, they’ve prepared a very good track to last 100 overs. Speaking about the preparations, Habib indicated that because the pitch soaks up any moisture quickly, they’ve had to keep it covered for extended periods to ensure that whatever was there is retained.

Workers painting on the Digicelcricket.com sign on the outfield yesterday.

“There will be something in it for the bowlers,” he assured. Meanwhile, General Manager of the facility Anthony Xavier told Kaieteur Sport that “all systems are ready” and fans can expect every bit of comfort to make the day an enjoyable one. “We’re always in a state of readiness for any big event, what we’ve basically done is repainted some faded areas, cleared all the drains, installed internet access for the local and international media, spruced up the car parks and serviced the fire extinguishers,” Xavier revealed.

The GM was confident that they are all set to go for tomorrow’s opening game. “Maintenance of the Stadium is an ongoing process and I would like to thank my staff, all of whom have worked very hard and really answered the call.”
He also stated that the Guyana Police Force will be monitoring the car parks and this development should be able to put at ease any concerns patrons may have had about the security of their vehicles.