The second test match between England and West Indies at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in St. John's, Antigua, was abandoned on Friday (February 13) after 10 balls because of an unfit outfield.

 

Due to recent rains, the West Indies bowlers were struggling hard to keep their footing in turf covered in sand. As a result, after due consultations between the umpires, players and the match referee, the second test was called off with England 7-0. With only 14 minutes and 1.4 overs of play possible, this test match will be recorded as the shortest in history.

 

The third test will now be held on Sunday (February 15) at the Antigua Recreation Ground (ARG). This decision was taken after England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) submitted a proposal to the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate the match to the ARG rather than move it to another island. The series has also been extended to five matches.

 

Reacting to the developments of Friday (February 13), Haroon Lorgat, ICC Chief Executive, has warned that Test status could be removed from the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. He also said that it was clearly the West Indies Cricket Board's responsibility to ensure the ground was fit for play, that it met the minimum standards for Test match cricket.

 

According to ECB Chiarman Giles Clarke, the 8000 spectators from England who had flown to the island specially to watch the second test will now be permitted to watch the third test match on the same ticket.