West Indies v Zimbabwe, 4th ODI, Guyana

Prospects brighter for Guyana's farewell

May 7, 2006

Persistent rain took its toll on the outfield during a week of heavy rain © Getty Images

Few here want the last-ever international match at the Bourda to be washed out, although many would argue that that would be a fitting end to a ground associated with rain and abandonments. By the time the international merry-go-round returns to the Caribbean, the new stadium at Providence, about nine kilometres down the road, will be finished and the Bourda will be an historical footnote, although the local authorities are adamant that it will continue to host first-class cricket for the foreseeable future.

The groundstaff are largely recruited, if that is the right word, from the nearby Georgetown prison, and they worked tirelessly throughout Saturday to clear the water left by several days of heavy rain. So well did they do their job that by the afternoon they had little to do other than trim the outfield.

Saturday's match had been called off as early as Friday afternoon, but by the time the match officials arrived yesterday, there was no question of a similar decision being made regarding the Sunday game.

The main grumblings continued to be over the West Indies board's decision to schedule a game here at this time of year. May is traditionally the wettest month in Guyana, and that in an already soggy country at the best of times. The only other time an international game has been played here in May - a Test against Pakistan in 2000 - two of the days were completely washed out.

At least both sides were able to conduct training sessions after being left kicking their heels on Friday.

© Cricinfo

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Stories

Rain forces cancellation of third ODI

Matches

West Indies v Zimbabwe at Georgetown

Series/Tournaments

Zimbabwe tour of West Indies

Teams

West Indies

Zimbabwe

Grounds

Bourda