Over 10,000 spectators celebrate Oval's rebirth

Over 10,000 cricket lovers from all over the world gave an overwhelming nod of approval to the majestic and historic Kensington Oval cricket stadium when it was thrown open after a gap of 18 months.

The Super Eight match Wednesday between England and Bangladesh here was the first game since mid-2005 when the stadium was closed down for remodelling for the World Cup. And 10,423 spectators turned up to watch the encounter.

Architecturally aesthetic and encircling a smooth, well-manicured outfield that sent countless strokes sizzling to the boundary ropes far ahead of those in pursuit, the 'Mecca' - as Kensington is familiarly known - re-entered the cricketing world in regal style as England cruised to a four wicket win over Bangladesh.

Indeed there was royalty in the house to partake of the famed venue's day in the international spotlight, as Britain's Prince Harry was a guest in the President's Suite.

Seated nearby were some of the legends of West Indies cricket such as the Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Everton Weekes and Charlie Griffith, who absorbed the opening encounter.

Around the ground, visible pockets of Barmy Army supporters as well as members of their Indian equivalent - the Bharat Army - sang loudly, cheered even louder and soaked up the sun and the party atmosphere.

Not to be outdone on home turf, Caribbean fans came with drums, steel pan ensembles, conch shells and anything else that would make a musical noise to celebrate the Oval's rebirth.

Outside, an expansive paved concourse housed several concession booths as well as merchandise and craft stalls. In the near distance, fans - perhaps not able to get up close to the icon himself - politely took turns having their photos taken next to the imposing statue of Sobers at the main entrance to the Oval.

"We've been selling at Kensington for about 15 years and we were looking forward to the Cricket World Cup," said jewellery vendor, Ashaki Browne, laying out her wares for sale.

"The transformation is very good and we are enjoying it so far. We will be here right through to the Final."

Giri Rao and his wife from Kuwait hailed the remodelled stadium as "fantastic", saying they thoroughly enjoyed the ambience and the game, despite having hoped to see India, rather than Bangladesh, playing England.

"We have absolutely no complaints. This is great. Everything is clean and well organised. The people here have really done well," said Rao.

Helen Jarvis, who is on holiday with her husband from England, was equally complimentary in her comments, noting that the facilities are "excellent" and that the game was "quite good".

Naturally, she was pleased with the result, which keeps Michael Vaughan and company still among the teams with a chance of a place in semi-final.

Also impressed with the polished redesign of Kensington was former West Indies batsman, Seymour Nurse, who was acknowledged by the Barbados Local Organising Committee (LOC) as one of its Outstanding Caribbean Citizens (OCCs) and consequently invited to present the Man-of-the-Match.

"It's an honour to be here, especially today for the first match. Kensington is beautiful - a sight to behold. All those who have not come here should do so. It's marvellous," he said at the close of play.

Former President of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and long-serving Barbados cricket administrator, Captain Peter Short - whose name is among those now gracing the new Media Centre - applauded all who worked tirelessly to ensure the Caribbean was ready to host the Cricket World Cup.

"It's a wonderful performance the way they have worked to make this a success," he remarked, adding that he is "proud and grateful" to have been recognised in such a tangible manner. (IANS)

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