Damp squib in Guyana

I mentioned last week that Guyana is a fairly ordinary place.

Did I mention the weather?!

The seasonal rains that have hampered Test Cricket at the Bourda Oval over the years had the final say yet again. Did you know the Bourda Oval is the only cricket ground in the history of the game that has had a fish caught by way of rod on the outfield? I’ve seen the photo! That gives you an indication of how much it can pour.

The only highlight of the first test was Carl Hooper achieving a lifetime ambition of scoring a test century at his home ground. Sorry…..there would have been one other highlight……getting on a ‘tin budgie’ and getting outta there!

So now the troops progress to beautiful Trinidad. That is a very cool spot and the perfect venue for a bit of ‘liming’. The local accent is the best in the Caribbean with it’s very own distinctive lilt. Unlike some other parts of the region, natural beauty is prevalent…..and I’m not talking just about the beaches!!!

Trinidad is known for many things. A carefree attitude engulfs you upon arrival and you are instantly caught up in the party mood that seems to filter over the island. All everyone wants to do is smile, get some rum down their necks and watch Brian Lara, the local hero, score a century.

Brian has a mansion just a lofted on-drive up the road from the Test ground. It is built on prime land given to him by the government of Trinidad in recognition of his remarkable exploits on the park.

I was astounded when I watched the first day’s play against South Africa last year because of the sheer level of noise in the ground. A section just left of the commentary box housed the world renowned Trini Posse.

In simple terms, the Posse is a fanatical group of about 300 cricket lovers who pay a premium price to sit together, party together and drink copious amounts of rum together. By the way, in Trinidad there is no such thing as a tot measure…….all rums are triples!

A mere five-minute walk from the hotel where the players and media will be staying, is a place that is legendary. The ‘Pelican’ is a spit and sawdust open-air pub that really rocks. It has live music, rum and beer galore, and an atmosphere that sizzles. Oh yeah…..and it closes at sunrise.

Many an unsuspecting player, or dare I say it, media personality, has been caught up in the extraordinary festivities at that venue and suffered the next day from what is universally termed Pelicanitis. It is severe and simply has to work its way out of the system. There is no immediate cure.

During the second Test between India and the West Indies starting this week, if you perceive that someone is performing below par - be it on or off the park - spare a thought.

It's likely he's caught the dreaded PELICANITIS.