Pata
04-28-2007, 06:37 AM
BRIDGETOWN, April 27
He is reputed to be the last of the 'white' Bajans to play for Barbados and West Indies. So 'Prof' Richard Edwards knows how to handle historic moments. Saturday will be no less than a date with history as Kensington Oval hosts the final of the World Cup. Edwards played five Tests for the West Indies between 1968 and 1969. He was a fast bowler and, so, naturally in his new role as a curator, has a soft corner for members of his tribe.
Edwards and his band of 18 groundstaff are working overtime to get things in order. Is there any nervousness in the air? "None at all. Everything is ready," Edwards told TOI . The pitch for the final will be the one that was used in the Bangladesh-England game. Bangladesh batted first and collapsed to 154, in reply, England stumbled in their chase before Paul Collingwood closed out the game.
The critics had pointed to the two-paced nature of the pitch in that game. Ask Edwards if the pitch will slow down similarly and he takes offence. "Our pitch doesn't slow up. The English batsmen were frightened and choked a bit under pressure. This track will continue to offer pace and bounce throughout."
Edwards' advice to both captains is simple: "Toss won't be a factor. It is going to play fair and will have enough pace. Tait and Malinga they both will enjoy the conditions."
He is reputed to be the last of the 'white' Bajans to play for Barbados and West Indies. So 'Prof' Richard Edwards knows how to handle historic moments. Saturday will be no less than a date with history as Kensington Oval hosts the final of the World Cup. Edwards played five Tests for the West Indies between 1968 and 1969. He was a fast bowler and, so, naturally in his new role as a curator, has a soft corner for members of his tribe.
Edwards and his band of 18 groundstaff are working overtime to get things in order. Is there any nervousness in the air? "None at all. Everything is ready," Edwards told TOI . The pitch for the final will be the one that was used in the Bangladesh-England game. Bangladesh batted first and collapsed to 154, in reply, England stumbled in their chase before Paul Collingwood closed out the game.
The critics had pointed to the two-paced nature of the pitch in that game. Ask Edwards if the pitch will slow down similarly and he takes offence. "Our pitch doesn't slow up. The English batsmen were frightened and choked a bit under pressure. This track will continue to offer pace and bounce throughout."
Edwards' advice to both captains is simple: "Toss won't be a factor. It is going to play fair and will have enough pace. Tait and Malinga they both will enjoy the conditions."