Dangerous Pitch Forces Abandonment Of Red Force vs Leeward Islands Match
The second-round match of the West Indies Championship between the Leeward Islands Hurricanes and Trinidad and Tobago Red Force has been abandoned as a draw after umpires declared the pitch at the Sir Viv Richards Stadium in Antigua dangerous to play on.
Play was stopped in the first session of Day 3 when the surface began producing uneven and unpredictable bounce. Leeward Islands batsman Jeremiah Louis was struck while at the crease and was taken to hospital for evaluation. He is reported to be in stable condition.
Cricket West Indies says the pitch could not be safely repaired without creating an unfair advantage and was therefore ruled unfit. Both teams will receive points earned up to the point of abandonment.
CWI has confirmed no further matches are scheduled at the venue until the Championship Final, set for May 17th to 20th, and says all necessary resources will be deployed to prepare a safe surface for that fixture.
