The first Cable and Wireless One Day International cricket match between the touring England and West Indies cricket teams is tentatively set to start on time today, barring overnight rain.
Speaking to Stabroek Sport yesterday, Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) president Chetram Singh said the umpires did an inspection of the ground yesterday (approximately 5.15 pm) after the Guyana Defence Force's (GDF) helicopter was used to assist in drying out the ground, and should there be no overnight rain, play will definitely start on time today.
He, however, added that if it rained last night, play would be put back to some time later in the day, depending on the amount of rainfall.
Singh said the GDF helicopter would be used for another hour or two this morning to dry out the moisture caused by the heavy rainfall on Friday and early yesterday.
Up to yesterday morning at approximately 10 am, the GCC ground was devoid of any pools of water.
The ground was however soggy, which prompted the GCB to seek the assistance of the GDF helicopter to dry out the ground. This system of drying out excessive water from the ground was first used when Major General Rtd. Norman McLean headed the GCB.
Singh said the umpires would conduct another inspection of the ground at 7.30 am this morning.
Should play be called off today, the match could be played tomorrow once the weather permits.
Singh said the gates to the GCC ground will be opened as planned at 6 am today. He urged persons to be early, since security inspections will be carried out on all patrons.
Meanwhile, at yesterday's official launching of the seven One-Day International matches between the two teams, England's captain Michael Vaughn said, like the rest of Guyana and the West Indies he is waiting on the weather conditions to clear up to make any predictions.
While Vaughn did not predict a first ODI victory or a series victory, he said he will be looking for a good opening partnership throughout the seven ODI's.
West Indies coach Gus Logie when asked how he would defend the recall of Merve Dillon in the squad said "you're asking the wrong person, the selectors should be asked that question."
West Indies captain Ramnaresh Sarwan, in reply to the question of who will fill the number three position left vacant becuse of Brian Lara's injury said no decision has as yet been made.
Asked if he will fill the position, Sarwan said that decision will be made when the time comes.
On his relationship with Lara, Sarwan said the world record holder has courage, determination and great character and like him (Sarwan) the rest of the team look up to him (Lara) for that. Reminded that Steve Harmison had an outstanding test series and asked if he (Vaughn) will stick with him during ODIs, Vaughn said "we'll nurture him".
Asked if he has any intentions of giving everyone in the squad a game England's team coach Duncan Fletcher said it's not about giving everyone a game it's about playing the best team during the series.
Told that Shivnarine Chanderpaul is a good opening batsman as he has proven in the past and asked if he (Chanderpaul) will open the batting for West Indies, team coach Gus Logie said "that's left to the selectors. We'll look at the best combination".
After the press briefing, Sarwan told Stabroek Sport he is disappointed that the game might not be played today or tomorrow since he was looking forward to the team and himself putting on a good performance.
Asked about his relationship with the other team members, Sarwan said he has a very good relationship with the rest of the team before he was even appointed captain for this ODI and that good relationship will continue for the rest of his life.