(Today it is going to be a bit of a running commentary so do check back every hour or so. 👍🏾👍🏼. Also click here to see photos)
11:45 a.m. Atlantic Standard Time (AST)
Game on! Never have us Caribbean people been so happy to see the sun!
First thing I did when I woke up after 7 this morning was to look outside. Clear blue skies. Yay!! Then I retreated to the couch for some more shut eye. Got in two 15-minute snooze fests. Not a good decision because then it meant I was caught up in traffic on River Road, which runs adjacent to the ground. Used the slow moving traffic to put on my beauty face – a lil powder, filled in the eye brows and a smattering of lipstick so my lips don’t get dry.
I always like to see the first ball and due to a sightscreen malfunction, I got to see Cottrell in action. Sat out in the sun for about 45 minutes to get in some Vitamin D. Then it was time for tea and a catch up with some of the media peeps in the press box.
Sidebar: I always find it amusing how, when I am talking to persons who used to play, they weave in a few commentary words in the middle of a normal sentence while we are conversing. “Yeah, we’re having a great time in Grenada – That’s 4 – and we plan on doing some sightseeing tomorrow.”
My survey of the ground brought the thought “where IS everybody?” So it was surprising to hear one of the media say “this is the best crowd we have seen.” He explained that there is a higher ratio of locals to visitors here, than anywhere else on the tour so far. Nice! I also understand that if I should walk behind the stands, I’d see that there are lots of people at the bars and eating areas.
https://www.cricketinterviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/img_2389.movGrenada likes to showcase its culture, so although there is the obligatory DJ playing snippets of reggae and soca near the party stand, on the other end of the ground in the Junior Murray & Rawl Lewis stand, the sweet sounds of pan music provide rhythm for the dancing girls, not dressed in skimpy shorts, but in traditional long skirts, shaking it.
Ok, my stomach is growling. Time to find some food…..or maybe more tea. We’re in the 34th over and England are 219 for 3.
Note: During the first 10 minutes of the innings break, they will be unveiling the Devon Smith Players Pavilion and also presenting Junior Murray and Rawl Lewis with plaques.
12:54 p.m.
Over #44. England 340/3. I am hoping that Gayle, Hetmyer and the other West Indian batsmen are looking at this runs fest and thinking “anything you can do, we can do better!” The body language doesn’t suggest that though.
John Campbell just failed to take an easy catch. At this stage of the game, that’s not gonna hurt too much. Him better score nuff runs when he goes out to open though. Poor Oshane Thomas could only take a deep breath.
Had the first course. Since World Cup was held in the Caribbean, the media has been provided with lunch. We are grateful. That’s the theme of Koffee’s song ‘Toast’ which was just playing.
Butler is grateful. Century’s up for him. Captain Morgan next. He is on 96. Butler just gave him a the strike for the last ball. Let’s wait for it……wait for it…..
Good bowling Cottrell! Morgan has to wait.
Oshane to Butler. SIXXXXXXXXXX!!!!! The party stand spectators are dejected.
WICKETTTTTTT!!!!!!!! What?? Scratch that. it was a no ball. Free hit coming up. No run. Good. Well as mentioned earlier, wickets at this stage don’t matter.
This cricket is a funny game and dependent on several factors. From a five-fer in Barbados to wicket less in Grenada….that’s Cottrell’s story. Oshane Thomas has picked up 2, I think. I haven’t been following closely. I am so happy that I am not one of those media people who have to write on what happens ball-by-ball.
Signing off now….
3:00 p.m.
Sorry for the delayed updates mates, but when Chris Gayle is racing to 69 off 37 balls, you don’t expect me to stop and do an update! Mercy! Even with his fellow opener and the number 3 batsman Hope departing cheaply, Gayle has not been bothered. The soon to be 40 year old is showing the young fellas how it is done.
Many of you, yes YOU, cursed him in the first ODI when he was slow to score. What say you today?
He has announced his retirement. To whom will he pass the runs-machine-many-6s-in-an-over baton to? Who wants it badly? Put up your hands fellas. In this match would be good. We chasing down 419 for victory. It would be great to leave here 2-1 up. 👍🏼👍🏼💕💕