Queen's Park Oval: At a glance

Modified Jun 19, 2017 19:30 IST

PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO - JUNE 11: A neighborhood along the coast is seen as the country is consumed with reports that former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner was corrupted as he worked in the organization on June 11, 2015 in Port of Spain, Trinidad And Tobago. Mr. Warner at the request of US authorities, faces extradition to the United States on charges of corruption and money laundering related to FIFA, Warner has continued to deny any wrongdoing. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) — Queen’s Park Oval lies in the beautiful tropical paradise that is Trinidad

Queen’s Park Oval, located on the northern shores of Trinidad, is one of the most storied cricket grounds in the world. Its naissance came two centuries ago, and this classic venue has seen some of the greatest West Indian teams of yore.

It is reputed to be one of the most picturesque grounds in the world, with the Caribbean sea on one end, and the northern hills of Trinidad on the other. The ends are named the Brian Lara End and the Media Centre End, a homage to the Trinidadian legend.

Fact File

PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO - AUGUST 24: The victorious Jamaica Tallawahs celebrating after winning the Final of the Cricket Caribbean Premier League between Guyana Amazon Warriors v Jamaica Tallawahs at Queen's Park Oval on August 24, 2013 in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. (Photo by Randy Brooks/Getty Images Latin America for CPL) — Queen’s Park Oval was the venue for the 2013 CPL Final, which the home team won

ODIs Played: 65

Average Score Batting First: 198 (243 in the last 5 completed ODIs)

Highest Score: 413/5 (India vs Bermuda 2007)

Lowest Score: 75/10 (Canada vs Zimbabwe 2006)

Stadium Capacity: 25,000

Pitch Conditions

PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO - AUGUST 24: General view during the Final of the Cricket Caribbean Premier League between Guyana Amazon Warriors v Jamaica Tallawahs at Queen's Park Oval on August 24, 2013 in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. (Photo by Lloyd Pierre/Getty Images Latin America for CPL) — A slow and low surface has meant low scoring games at the venue in recent times

Based on the first class and List A records from the 2016/17 season, it will be a slow and low pitch, with anything above 260 being very competitive. Due to the weather, which will be hot and humid, choosing to bat first may be the way to go, considering there may be some degradation as the game goes on.

The pitch has not been relaid, like some of the other pitches in the Caribbean have been. The recently concluded T20I series between Pakistan and the West Indies saw a low scoring game with the Pakistani spinners running riot. An attack with fast bowlers capable of bowling cutters, and plenty of spin bowlers will be successful at this venue.

Historically, games have been low scoring here, which makes chasing difficult if the team batting first buckles down and tries to score above 250. Batsmen will probably be able to hit across the line successfully.

Weather Forecast

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 16: Grounds staff work to dry the pitch as rain delays the start of play during the WNCL Final match between NSW and Victoria on February 16, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images) — Wet weather might mean a shortened game at the Queen’s Park Oval

The weather will be typically Caribbean, with hot, humid conditions during the day, and temperature north of 30°C. There might be showers throughout the day, which, in addition to the humidity, may make the ball swing around a bit. However, there is not too much wind to assist the bowlers in getting drift.