We've left the shores of Great Britain behind and are in the Dutch city of Amsterdam - a popular destination for tourists of all ages. But the majority of the visitors here today have come for what promises to be another superb encounter in World Cup 1999.The pitch offers encourgament to the pacemen and any captain who sees his fast bowlers lose their discipline and get hit all over the ground will certainly be unimpressed. The team batting first will have the advantage that the wicket will offer little to the exponents of seam and spin in the opposition line-up. But that is likely to change, at least for the spinners, as the pitch is expected to deteriorate throughout the day, a development that will again please the quicker bowlers. The unpredictability of the surface, especially later in the day, will cause the batsmen problems, and do not be surprised to see players struggling as the ball misbehaves. The outfield lacks pace and the men at the crease will have to work hard to keep the run-rate at a good level.
We're here at Bristol, a ground originally set out to the specification of the legendary W.G. Grace, and we're hoping for an occasion which the great man would be proud of. Grace, the sporting idol of Victorian England and the man who turned batting from an accomplishment into a science, scored 54,896 runs and 126 first-class centuries in his career. He also took 2,876 wickets and held 877 catches and is without doubt Gloucestershire's most famous son. The dry pitch itself will be to the liking of the pace bowlers but offers little to those who are attempting to seam the ball. But the spinners will find little encouragement and most captains are likely to rely on their quicker bowlers for this surface. Any batsmen expecting to score quick runs on this ground is likely to be disappointed as the outfield is relatively slow and may keep the scores down. The track is expected to be consistent throughout the day, offering little advantage to the team batting first or second.
Welcome to the picturesque surroundings of the St Lawrence Ground, Canterbury, for what we are sure will be another enthralling day's play. This pitch looks certain to favour the batsmen and the team who wins the toss would be well advised to take advantage of the chance to post a healthy total. The flat track is very unlikely to misbehave, allowing the man at the crease a chance to boost his average. The fast outfield will also contribute to a high-scoring game and if the team in first posts a daunting target the psychological balance will certainly be in their favour. While the bowlers will gain little assistance from the surface, a consistent line and length will certainly help keep the run-rate to a manageable level. But they must also come to terms with the slope from the Pavillion End which has been known to knock many players off their stride.
The World Cup centre stage is taken by Wales today with Cardiff's Sophia Gardens hosting the latest match in this year's extravaganza. The ground takes its name from Sophia, the second wife of the second Marquess of Bute, and has the River Taff running a short distance behind the aptly-named River Stand. Glamorgan's first-class fixtures are regularly staged at this venue which is surrounded by trees and attractively landscaped areas. Any pace bowlers who are expecting to take wickets today are likely to be disappointed, with the slow pitch offering them little or no encouragement. The pitch also plays true as a rule and we are not expecting to see too many balls reacting in an exceptional manner. The slow pitch will give the batsmen time to select their strokes but the outfield is not regarded as one where the ball will race to the boundary. Anyone who gives away their wicket to a poorly selected stroke on this surface is likely to be in hot water with his team-mates and coaching staff.
Essex County Cricket Club are our hosts for today's World Cup match and they have made us more than welcome to their Chelmsford ground. This compact venue staged its first county championship match in 1926 and has seen many memorable performances, including Graham Gooch's superb 275 against Kent in 1988. Not all visitors to this ground have such happy memories, Surrey were dismissed for just 14 in 1983 and I'm sure both teams will be looking to avoid that kind of embaressment today. The pitch is not suited to bowlers who rely purely on pace and is generally regarded as a slow surface, handing the batsmen a certain advantage. The ground is also flat but is not known for the speed of its outfield so any boundaries will need to come off the meat of the bat. The surface offers a little encouragement to spin bowlers, but the surface is unlikely to deteriorate throughout the innings giving no assistance near the end of the days' play. Seam bowlers do not favour the wicket either, and are more likely to rely on consistency in line and length to take wickets.
Welcome to the magnificent Riverside Stadium, a ground which was purpose built to be the headquarters of Durham after they were accepted into the County Championship in 1992. This is the first cricket ground in the UK built specifically for the needs of the next century and is a fitting venue for the world's finest players. The ground has views of Lumley Castle, a 14th century fortification, but the players won't have time to check out the local attractions as they have a World Cup game to concentrate on. The fans would also be well advised to keep their eyes on the action in front of them at all times, because it will certainly be fast and action-packed. The hard, dry, flat pitch is perfect for pacemen and they will be relishing a stirring contest against the batsmen, who also have elements in their favour. Despite the fast deliveries, the man at the crease should be able to anticipate what the ball will do and the fielders will need to be alert at all times. There is little here to encourage seam bowlers and it is a similar story for the spinners, who may be the only people with time to check out the tourist attractions.
We're here in Derby for what promises to be yet another enthralling day's play in the competition that has captured the hearts of people across the globe. World Cup 99 brings together cricketing talent from across the globe and we're at the home of Derbyshire Cricket Club to see another two countries go head-to-head. The wicket here tends to be slow and even the fastest bowlers in the world will be unlikely to find favour in the surface. The players who prefer the discipline of spin are also likely to be disappointed as the pitch offers little in terms of turn. But seamers will take heart from the knowledge that they have the best chances of taking wickets on a track suited to their bowling. There is also a chance that the ball will misbehave, which will further encourage players with the ability to swing the ball. But the batsman know that if they break the inner ring of fielders, the ball is likely to reach the boundary due to the pace of the outfield.
We're in the beautiful surroundings of the Emerald Isle today for one of two games taking place away from the shores of Great Britain. Dublin and Amsterdam each play host to one game and for this clash the home of Guiness is the venue - let's just hope the players haven't been tempted by the local hospitality. The pitch here looks likely to hold more encouragement for the batsmen with little that the bowlers will be able to get their teeth into. As with the majority of one-day games, the side winning the toss will be expected to go into bat first and will hoping to post their opponents a daunting target. Pacemen, seamers and spin bowlers are all on an equal footing on this surface, and there are likely to be a number of bowling changes as the captains search for the right combination. Any early breakthroughs will also be a massive bonus and the batting side would do well to select their shots carefully. Any player who gives up his wicket cheaply will be sorely disappointed with a speedy outfield likely to add to the run-rate and scoring.
Welcome to the plush surroundings of Edgbaston, one of the six grounds in the country regularly used for staging Test cricket. But we're here to witness what is sure to be an explosive one-day encounter, this is certainly a match that has been eagerly anticipated by players and spectators alike. This stadium is certainly an impressive venue, and is second only to the home of cricket, Lord's, to any other ground in the land. The batsmen should have the upper hand on the wicket that has been prepared for this encounter as there appears to be little to encourage the bowlers. The surface looks likely to work against those who rely on out-and-out pace for success, with seamers and spinners being on an equal footing. The side who wins the toss should go into bat and will be out to dent their rivals' confidence by posting an impressive total. The pitch is unlikely to deteriorate throughout the day and the team batting second know that will favour their anticipated run-chase.
We've come north of the border today as Scotland plays host to this eagerly-anticipated fixture of the 1999 World Cup. Edinburgh is a city steeped in history and tradition, with the imposing castle casting a shadow over the city from its hill-top position. The result of today's match will certainly be difficult to forecast as the wicket here has a reputation for being somewhat unpredictable. But, as in so many one-day encounters, winning the toss will be crucial as the cracks in the pitch will only get worse as the game progresses. The captain who calls correctly will be eager to bat first and then allow his bowlers to do go to work on what is expected to be a badly-behaved track. In the early stages of the match, their will be little for the pacemen to exploit and the seamers and spinners will also have to work hard. But as the game moves on, the spin bowlers and speed merchants will have the opportunity to exploit the wicket and the team who bats second will have to concentrate throughout.
Welcome to Headingley for what promises to be the latest enthralling chapter in World Cup 99. This ground has witnessed many memorable occasions including the Ashes Test of 1981 when Ian Botham's heroics helped England snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. The home of Yorkshire County Cricket Club is renowned for a wicket which offers a great deal of incentive to the seam bowlers. But bowlers who rely more on blistering pace are less likely to find this track to their tastes, while any grass covering will give spinners some heart. All bowlers must also come to terms with the slight slope from the Kirkstall Lane end which has been known to put them out of their stride on their run up. Batsmen must be on their guard at all times throughout the innings as Headingley is renowned for being an unpredictable surface and the side who wins the toss would be well advised to bat first as the wicket is likely to deteriotate throughout the day. The outfield is not the quickest and batsmen will have to work hard to find the gaps in the field, or take advantage of the early fielding restrictions.
We've moved away from the hustle and bustle of city life for a day on the beautiful south coast of England as Hove plays host to today's World Cup encounter. Despite the sleepy surroundings, with spectators in deck-chairs and the seafront being just a short walk away, the players will be prepared for another high-octane encounter. And the batsmen will certainly be relishing today's showdown as the wicket is expected to play with a consistency which makes their life a good deal easier. And with an outfield which will certainly not hold the ball up as it heads for the boundary, the scorer should also be ready for a busy day at the office. The pitch also has a marked slope towards the Arthur Gilligan stand at the Sea End of the ground and the ball will race away towards the ropes at a frightening rate. Pace, seam and spin bowlers have little to encourage them in the track and would be advised to rely on consistency for any success. Everyone who arrives at the crease will be expected to make a decent total but must guard against over-confidence.
Welcome to Grace Road, Leicester, home of the current County Champions of English cricket, Leicestershire. And we will certainly be looking for some top-drawer action today as the latest match of the 1999 World Cup gets underway in front of another full-house of cricket fans. This is a pitch that will suit any fiery pacemen who should be able to take advantage of the conditions to get amongst the wickets. The batsmen must be on their guard at all times as the ball is likely to misbehave with some deliveries staying low and others rising at an alarming rate. Such occasions are never comfortable for those at the crease and the run-rate is likely to stay low with players opting for a safety-first approach. The team batting second will also be at a disadvantage with any cracks in the pitch expected to worsen throughout the day, giving the spinners a chance to impress. But there is little here for seam bowlers, while the batsmen can take some heart from the speed of the outfield, which should aid what is likely to be a difficult task.
Welcome to the undisputed Mecca of cricket and without doubt the most prestigious venue that we have the pleasure of visiting during the 1999 World Cup. Under the watchful eye of Old Father Time, who presides over the ground from the top of the grandstand, today's players are lucky enough to step onto this hallowed turf. Hopefully they will not be overcome by the emotion of the day as we have the prospect of a superb showdown in today's one-day clash. The most famous feature of this ground is surely the slope and many fielders have begun a fruitless chase of the ball and ended up well beaten as it races towards the Member's Pavillion. The team batting first will have to cope with conditions conducive to both seam and spin bowling, but that is likely to change later in the day. With the natural wear and tear on the surface is expected to aid the spinners and also bring the pace bowlers into the equation against the side batting second. While the outfield is not excessively pacy, the batsmen will be able to take advantage of the pronounced slope on the ground.
The latest chapter in World Cup 1999 will be written today at Northampton and we're sure, that for one team at least, that there will be a happy ending. But as yet we have on idea which of the captains will be celebrating with champagne and which will be left to drown their sorrows. One thing that is for certain is that the wicket here will do very few favours for the spinner at the start of the day, but they could get a chance later on. The team in the field first will have to rely on their pace and seam attack and the batsmen would be well advised to be on their guard on an unpredictable surface. The outfield is certainly very quick and a clean contact by the batsmen will leave the fielders with no chance if they can find the gaps. That would certainly be advised during the first 15 overs when the fielding restrictions leave plenty of space for the batsmen to aim for. The slope on the field towards the left of the pavillion can also be used by players looking to keep the run-rate high and the scoreboard moving.
Welcome to Old Trafford, home of Lancashire, a team whose trophy cabinet backs up their claim that they are the current one-day kings of the English game. Despite their dominance of the domestic scene, I'm sure both of the sides in action here in World Cup 99 would give them a run for their money. This is a pitch which the spinners will certainly be looking forward to playing on and they should have the best chances of getting among the wickets here. Seam bowlers can also find some encouragement from the surface and they are more likely to be turned to than any pacemen in the side. All the bowlers will be boosted by the fact that the outfield is one of the slowest in the country and the batsmen will have to work hard to beat the fielders. One factor in the favour of the batsmen is that the pitch should play consistently throughout the innings and balls are unlikely to move unexpectedly. The pitch at Old Trafford does not slope and the bowlers will be not have to modify their run-ups as a result.
We've come to London for what we are expecting to be a finely contested match between two sides chasing glory in World Cup 1999. The Oval, a ground which is steeped in history and staged the very first Test match on English soil when the home side defeated Australia by five wickets in 1880, is the setting for today's game. This is a pitch that the fastest bowlers in the world will relish playing on. The dry pitch is perfect for their deliveries which the batsmen will not be looking forward to facing. The one advantage for the men in the middle is that the surface always plays consistently, so while the ball will be travelling very quickly, it will not move unexpectedly. And if the batsmen can convert the pace of the ball into their shot, they will simply have to direct the ball towards the gaps, rather than blasting a way through. The East-to-West slope across the ground could also work in the favour of the batsmen, while the fielders must make sure they do not waste their energy on fruitless chases. The pitch also offers some encouragement to the spinners and seam bowlers should also be able to swing the ball, but the pacemen are expected to rule the roost.
We're on the south coast today with Hampshire Cricket Club as our hosts as Southampton provides the venue for today's World Cup clash. This has all the makings of a top-quality encounter and I'm sure that the players will be fired up and ready for action today. The pace bowlers in particular will be looking forward to this encounter with the ground staff preparing the pitch in a manner which will suit their deliveries. But because of this the seamers and spinners are will have to work harder if they are to cause the batsmen any problems. While the faster bowlers will be working up a head of steam, the batsmen will be reassured by the knowledge that the ball should react consistently. That will give them the opportunity to play attacking strokes and use the pace of the ball to their advantage, but the slow outfield will not help their cause. There is also a slight slope downhill at the City End of the ground which all bowlers must be aware of during their run-in.
Welcome to the picturesque and quaint surroundings of the West Country for today's World Cup encounter between these two sides. All the signs point to these being another nail-biting battle which will keep all those involved on the edge of their seats until the final ball is bowled. And from the pitch report we have received it looks as though this is a ground which the spinners will be able to get their teeth into. The way the track has been prepared will certainly present them with opportunities to bamboozle the batsmen and claim several scalps. The movement of the ball off the pitch is also likely to present the batsmen with problems and caution will certainly be the watchword on this wicket. There is less to impress the pace and seam stars of the sides and they will have to rely on their slow bowling colleagues for the crucial breakthroughs. An extra incentive for the batsmen is that the River Tone runs barely 90 metres from the crease, and a mighty stroke could see the ball end in a watery grave.
Our hosts for today's game are Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club and they have proved very welcoming to players, officials and fans alike. Trent Bridge is undoubtedly one of the finest cricketing arenas in the country and many great sides from around the world have graced the hallowed turf. The two sides today will be eager to provide a game of that matches the standards that have gone before, and I'm sure they won't disappoint us. The bowlers are expected to have the upper hand here today and the batsmen know they will be forced to work hard if they are to make a respectable score. The track offers incentives for spinners, seamers and especially pace merchants and any bowlers who come away empty handed are likely to be disappointed. One bonus for the batsmen is that the surface should remain true throughout the day and that will make deliveries easier to anticipate. The outfield is also dangerously quick, so the fielders will have to be on their toes at all times to prevent too many costly boundries.
We've brought the World Cup party to Worcester today and we're delighted to be here as this is certainly one of the most attractive grounds in the country. From the pavillion, the cricket lovers look out across the playing area to the 14th century Cathedral which towers over New Road. From the pitch report, it looks as though this is a surface which will favour the fast bowlers, while spinners are likely to be disappointed. The track has been prepared in a way which will certainly prove popular with the pacemen, but exponents of the art of spin will struggle to find any movement. Seamers will not be able to gain the same advantages as the pacemen from the wicket, but it is unlikely to work against them as it does for the spinners. The track should play true for the majority of today's match and we are not expecting too many balls to misbehave and catch the batsmen out. The outfield is also very quick and both teams will be looking to keep their boundary count high as they go for victory in these beautiful surroundings.
