100m finals showing for WI, NZ second Test

Jermaine Lannaman, Sunday Gleaner Writer

Crickets fans wishing to watch both the second and deciding Digicel Test between the West Indies and New Zealand at Sabina Park, and the Olympic Games' women's and men's 100m finals could get the opportunity to do so if everything goes according to a Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) plan.

According to JCA vice-president, Major Radcliffe Daley, an effort is under way to get the match referee to sanction a request for the umpires to take the regular scheduled drinks break at the time of the races, which will be held at 3:50 p.m. on Friday, August 3, and Saturday, August 4, respectively.

The Test will be held between Thursday, August 2 and Monday, August 6, Independence Day.

"We are currently fine-tuning arrangements to have the match referee and the umpires take the regular scheduled drinks break prior to the start of the finals," said Daley.

"This is in a bid to have our spectators watch the races while at the same time get the chance to be at the game, which is set to be very close and exciting given the fact that it could decide the series," he added.

The men's and women's 100m finals, which are expected to be shown on the venue's giant television screens, could feature Usain Bolt, Yohan Blake, and Asafa Powell in the men's event, and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Veronica Campbell-Brown, and Sherone Simpson in the women's equivalent.

The races are also expected to fit perfectly into the JCA's plans for the Test match to be a truly Jamaica 50 Independence celebrations event.

The association has designated Saturday 'Jamaica Day' and is asking patrons to wear the country's colours to show their patriotism.

Activities on the day will include a lap of honour during the scheduled lunchtime break by a number of the country's past and present senior men's and women's players, who have represented the country since 1962.

The players will also sign autographs and take pictures before having lunch with JCA president Lyndel Wright.

"It should be a fun-filled weekend for the entire family, and the hope is that a number of the players will turn up. We encourage the public to come out, and not only for Jamaica Day, but for the West Indies team, who will need all the support they can get," said Daley.

Jamaica Day is also designated a Jamaica50 event and according to Daley, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, if available, is expected to attend the event.