WI/England play abandoned

Play on today’s first day of the second test between the West Indies and England at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua was abandoned after just 10 deliveries.



Umpires deemed the sandy outfield was dangerous.



England, sent in to bat, had reached 7 without loss in 1.4 overs before play was stopped, with bowlers complaining they could not keep their footing on the outfield, which is made up of a thick layer of sand in parts.



Match officials abandoned play for the day while alternatives, including the possibility of moving the match to a different venue, were considered.



England proposed that the match be moved to the Antigua Recreation Ground where both teams practiced over the past three days.



Hugh Morris, the managing director of the England and Wales Cricket Board, said he had written to West Indies authorities yesterday expressing concern about the outfield.



West Indies lead the 4-match series 1-0.