Grenada Hoping for a Devon Sighting
Wed, May 28, '03
Despite the fact that the one-day series has already been won by Australia, there is a buzz here about the last two one-day matches here this weekend.
Grenada is determined to have a party despite the state of the series ? but it is further buoyed by Sunday's West Indies belated win in Trinidad and Tobago. Officials have given schools a day-off and have asked employers to allow every worker which shows they have a ticket the time off to go to the game on Friday.
The sixth one day match will be played on Friday and the final one on Sunday.
Australia arrived here from Port of Spain on Monday and the West Indies followed Tuesday.
The air of expectation about the game has been bolstered since it will be the first time nationals will have an opportunity to see local Devon Smith in action though there is some doubt as to whether he will make the final playing eleven.
No Grenadian has played an international game at Grenada's National Stadium since it was opened four years ago.
Before Smith, Grenada have had only two international players ? Junior Murray and Rawl Lewis.
There is a question mark over the availability of Ryan Hurley who injured his shoulder on Sunday in taking a spectacular catch. There was no immediate word on his fitness, but if he does not recover in time for Friday's game, Omari Banks rather than Smith is likely to replace him.
Following the success in the last game West Indian selectors are expected to stay with Wavell Hinds partnering Chris Gayle at the top of the order. Hinds made a useful half century after opening for the first time in three games.
Skipper Brian Lara is also expected to return to number three.
Smith is more likely to appear in Sunday?s final game based on what happens on Friday.
A few Australian players have niggling injuries, including Glen McGrath and Michael Bevan, but all are expected to be available for selection.
The tourists have the opportunity of the longest break of their Caribbean tour with four days separating the fifth and sixth one day matches.
* Republished from CaribUpdate.com