Debasis Sen, Port of Spain: The cricketing entourage has reached the final destination of the series i.e., Port of Spain.-the capital city of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. It is also the country’s third-largest municipality, after Chaguanas and San Fernando and the second largest capital city in the English-speaking Caribbean and is one of the largest cities in the Caribbean.
It is a pleasant ride to the capital city from Piarco International airport. As you reach Downtown, you will notice the waterfront beside the Parliament of Trinidad & Tobago. The hotel of the Indian team is also situated just adjacent to the Parliament. With the high rises and waterfront overseeing the Gulf of Paria, it proclaims to be one of the most developed cities amongst the Caribbean nations.
The final test match of the series will be played at the historic Queens Park Oval, which is also the home of Queen’s Park Cricket Club. It is one of the most picturesque grounds here in the Caribbean with breathtaking backdrops, most notably, the northern hills. The famous Brian Lara end, Learie Constantine and Trini Posse stands provide the perfect setting for the test.
As we go across the stadium the brandings of the Trinbago Knight Riders are still on display. The inaugural champions of Caribbean Premier League last year missed the finals this year. There has been a huge turnout during the CPL matches at the Oval for the Shahrukh Khan owned franchise. Natives like Dwayne Bravo and Sunil Narine has been the biggest draw in the CPL matches along with the likes of Brendon McCullum. With a large number of Indian diasporas, it is being anticipated there will be much improvement in the attendance for the test match.
The oval has witnessed some dramatic performances by West Indies – it was here that England were blown away for 46 in 1994-95 – it has also staged some lows. In 1967-68 Garry Sobers’s generous declaration allowed England to win by seven wickets and in doing so level the series, while in 1976-77 India scored a then record 406 for 4 to beat Clive Lloyd’s side.
Virat Kohli and his men will look to make it 3-0 in the series, given the dominance they have showed over their opponents right from the start of the series in Antigua. The Indians lead the four match series 2-0 with victories in Antigua and St Lucia. The test match in Jamaica ended in a draw.