West Indies touched down in Guyana on Tuesday night as they seek to keep their momentum from the Tests going into Sunday’s first One-Day International (ODI), which is expected to set alight the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.
The squad minus big guns “Universe Boss” Chris Gayle and “Dre Russ” Andre Russell, who were part of the T20 Canada Cup and will be arriving soon, landed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Tuesday night.
Flocked by members of the coaching staff, commentary and logistics teams, the Caribbean side, fresh off a 2-0 Test series win over the Bangladeshis, will now commence a lengthy training session as they get themselves adjusted to the 50-over format.
Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Treasurer Anand Kalladeen, who was present to receive the team, said the return of international cricket to Guyana since 2017 was fantastic for the sport.
He pointed out that while Bangladesh might not be highly rated, they were still a very dangerous and competitive cricket team. Kalladeen noted while Guyana has been doing well cricket-wise over the years, it is still an international competition-starved cricket nation, thus the two matches would play a significant part in the return of foreign cricket to Guyana.
The GCB Board Member further pointed out that the GCB, as well as the country, and, by extension, the Stadium were fully prepared to host the upcoming scheduled matches. He added that while regional cricket was not the same as international cricket, the logistics and mandates of running such a schedule properly were always a priority.
The team has commenced training and will continue their fine-tuning ahead of Sunday’s opener, which bowls off at 09:00h. The second and final ODI, the day-night historic match, will bowl off on Wednesday, July 25 from 14:30h.
Meanwhile, tickets are on sale at the GCB head office on Regent Street, with the Green and Red Stands cost G$5000 while the Orange Stand and Grass Mound tickets cost G$3000 and G$2000 respectively. (Clifton Ross)
