Play on the first day of the Second Test between the West Indies and England was abandoned after just 10 deliveries because umpires deemed the sandy outfield too dangerous. England, sent in to bat, had reached 7-0 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 said play was abandoned for the day while alternatives - including the possibility of moving the match to a different venue - were considered.
The West Indies captain Chris Gayle said: "It's very disappointing and embarrassing. It wasn't up to standard and I have to apologise to the spectators. There was a huge turnout and everyone wanted to see us play England. "Both captains wanted to play cricket but our bowlers weren't comfortable ... we didn't want to risk any injuries." His English counterpart Andrew Strauss was equally unimpressed with the situation. "It's not right Test matches have to be abandoned like this, lessons definitely need to be learned. The game of cricket doesn't need this," he said. *With agencies
