From left, Hinds and Chanderpaul
NEW AMSTERDAM, Guyana, CMC:
IT WAS the classical case of "same script, different day" at the Albion Community Development ground on the third day of the seventh round Carib Beer Series encounter between Guyana and Jamaica yesterday.
Similar to what occurred on Saturday, all play was cancelled after persistent showers throughout the morning and the previous night caused the outfield to be saturated with water, resulting in the topsoil being converted to virtual slush.
Despite the obvious conditions, umpires Clancy Mack and Davertith Anandjit scheduled a 1 p.m inspection and invited the two captains onto the outfield as the rains abated temporarily.
In the middle of their discussion, the rains returned, completely destroying any hopes of play for the day.
Jamaica's captain Wavell Hinds expressed disappointment at the situation in the match.
"We're disappointed that no cricket is being played because our whole purpose for coming to Guyana was to play positive cricket and obtain some more points," Hinds said.
Shivnarine Chanderpaul, the Guyanese captain, echoed similar sentiments.
OUT OF OUR CONTROL
"We're obviously disappointed, we would love to play but it's out of our control, we cannot do anything about the weather even though we are looking for some points," Chanderpaul said.
Both captains still harboured some degree of optimism despite the dismal state of conditions.
"There is still a day left and it's cricket and anything is possible," Chanderpaul said, as he tried to be upbeat in light of the steady showers.
Hinds also pointed out: "It's raining continuously and I haven't seen any sun for two days. Even if it doesn't rain anymore, the conditions as it is does not seem as though it will allow us to start on time tomorrow (today)."
His assessment was just about accurate. Walking on the outfield caused muddy footprints to be left even as the umpires declared that the covered pitch was of no concern.
So far, two entire days (the second and third) along with one hour and 20 minutes on the first day, have been lost to a combination of rain and seepage of water onto the pitch.
Guyana compiled 221 for three in the only play possible on the opening day.
