18 July,2016 08:36 AM IST | | mid-day online correspondent
India is set to play their first Test against West Indies in the current series in Antigua on today. Well, here's a look at some of the records, controversies and more at the venue
India is set to play their first Test against West Indies in the current series in Antigua on Thursday, here's a look at some of the records, controversies and more at the location.
There have been records galore at the Antigua Recreation Ground. The ground has been the scene of two world record individual scores, both by Brian Lara and both against England.
Brian Lara
In 1994 Lara, with an innings of 375 from 538 balls, surpassed fellow West Indian Garry Sobers' record of 365 not out, which had stood since 1958. Lara's record stood until 2003, when it was broken by Australian Matthew Hayden. It was less than a year later that Lara again broke the record with 400 not out from 582 balls, this remains the highest individual Test innings.
The only other player to have scored a triple century at the ground is Chris Gayle who made 317 against South Africa in 2005.
One of Antigua's most famous sons, Sir Vivian Richards, scored the fastest Test match century off 56 balls vs England in the "Blackwash" series of 1986 at the Recreation Ground. Brendon McCullum broke that record in the 2015-16 season against Australia when he scored a 54-ball century at Christchurch.
In May 2003 the West Indies completed the highest ever successful run chase in Test Cricket at the ARG, making 418/7 against Australia in their fourth innings to win by 3 wickets.
Tons scored by Indians and West Indians against India at Antigua
The Indians will be playing their first Test match at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. It was built for use in the 2007 Cricket World Cup where it hosted Super 8 matches.
The first Test match staged on the ground began on May 30, 2008 when the West Indies hosted Australia, with the match ending in a draw.
Outfield controversy
There was a huge controversy over the ground during its second Test match. The match, which was against England, began on February 13, 2009, and was abandoned after only ten balls due to the outfield's dangerous condition. The groundstaff had applied an extra layer of sand after recent flooding, which resulted in the bowlers being unable to gain a foothold when running in. The sandy nature of the outfield earned the ground the nickname of 'Antigua's 366th beach' in the buildup to the game. The abandonment caused great embarrassment for West Indies cricket, with inquests held by the WICB and the ICC. The ICC inquest resulted in the ground being suspended from staging all international matches for twelve months and an official warning was issued to the WICB.
