QUEENS, New York (CMC):
CRICKET ORGANISERS here say they are ready to host two grand, limited overs invitational matches next month, featuring Windies cricket stars.
The two matches, 50-over affairs scheduled for the Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn, on July 8 and 9, are expected to showcase the talents of West Indies captain Brian Lara, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Chris Gayle.
Fast bowler Fidel Edwards, Corey Collymore, Daren Ganga, Dwayne Bravo, Dwayne Smith, Wavell Hinds, Dinesh Ramdin and Rawl Lewis are also expected to be involved in the fixtures.
"The success of the two games will set the standard for future visits here of international teams and provide a splendid opportunity for cricket to fast-track its development," said Orin Davidson, the Guyanese-born editor of the Brooklyn-based Cricket Inter-national newspaper.
LITMUS TEST
"Apart from igniting an exposition of interest among fans, the two games should provide a litmus test in our ability to host top class international teams."
Davidson said two "strong, competitive" United States team will oppose the Windies stars in both matches.
For the first match, Guyanese Steve Massiah will lead a U.S. side comprising former Jamaica national player, Richard Staple, along with Guyanese national players, Lennox Crush and Kevin Darlington and former Windward Islands batsman, Kester Sylvester.
The second game will see a U.S. side being led by Staple and including West Indies opening batsman, Devon Smith; former West Indies 'B' cricketer, Sudesh Dhaniram, and Guyanese duo of Vishal Naga-mootoo and Darlington.
"From all appearances, the two games have been well planned and it is only left for the execution to make July 8 and 9 a defining weekend in New York's cricket," Davidson said.
