Sylvan surroundings prevail at the Antigua Recreation Ground

Anthony More, the curator of the Antigua Recreation Ground at St John's, is a puzzled man. "I don't know why people are saying that the wicket in Antigua is one of the slowest," he says. "Two years ago, South Africa defeated us here, and we won against Pakistan on this surface the year before. So I am not at all ready to listen what others are saying."

More was a member of the West Indies 'A' side, a fast bowler who could not make it to the Test team because of the presence of the Robertses and the Holdings in the Caribbean side. He has played county cricket too. More is now more often seen running the roller across the wicket of the Recreation Club, trying to improve the nature of the pitch with a sincerity that can almost be compared to worship.

The outfield of the Antigua Recreation Ground is the best-looking in this series thus far. The grass is present, but it has been rolled into smoothness. As the days pass by, it will grow. The surface of the wicket has been watered and rolled to make it harder and bouncier. More has prepared a wicket that almost guarantees an enjoyable Test match.

Winston Benjamin and Andy Roberts took advantage of the ground's sylvan surroundings to have a quiet chat. Benjamin is the coach of the West Indies under-19 side now. Five years ago, when the Indian team travelled to these islands last, Roberts was the president of the former cricketers' association here. "Now I am only a former cricketer," he announces with a laugh.

The Indians are practicing at the ground adjacent to the hotel, while the West Indians will be doing so in the ground beside the airport. That is the system here; the participating teams are not allowed practice in the Test venue itself, simply because there are no such facilities provided in this ground.

Any feelings that the practice field will be inadequate for the Indians disappear once the ground comes into view. The Indians are staying at the Jolly Resort Hotel, which is equipped not only with a cricket field but also a golf course.

The main ground in St John's has a pavilion named after its most famous son - Sir Isaac Vivian Alexander Richards. Andy Roberts and Richie Richardson also have two stands named after them. The Curtly Ambrose stand is not yet up, although the administrators are quick to assure that it will be soon.