Sabina Park, the home of the Kingston Cricket Club, is situated in the driest part of Kingston and for many years the pitch was one of the hardest and fastest in the Caribbean. But in recent years the surface slowed, despite attempts to restore life by relaying it on more than one occasion.
In terms of size, Sabina Park was relatively small, but like other major grounds in the region it underwent a major renovation ahead of the 2007 World Cup, a process that was fraught with headaches and delays. The capacity was raised from 15,000 to 20,000, still 5,000 less than the Trelawny Stadium down the coast.
Locals were worried that the unique atmosphere of the old ground would be lost amid the mass of new concrete, and the acid test will come during the tournament.
The spectacular Blue Mountains, (home of the world famous Blue Mountain coffee) form a picturesque and spectacular backdrop to the north facing the George Headley Stand, with Kingston Harbour to the south.
Sabina Park’s greatest moment in Test cricket was the 365 not out made by Garry Sobers against the Pakistanis that stood for many years as the highest individual test score. Conversely its worst moment was when the England – West Indies Test in 1998 was abandoned on the opening day due to an appalling pitch endangering the players.
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