India has had a fantastic start to their WTC 2023-25 campaign as they beat West Indies Winsdor Park last week. With this victory, India claims the top spot on the points table. Now Rohit Sharma and his troops are eying a whitewash against the Caribbean side. Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad will host the 2nd Test of the series starting July 20. This article delves into the comprehensive Port of Spain, Trinidad pitch report, the illustrious Test records of this ground, and provides valuable insights into the weather conditions for the WI vs IND 2nd Test match.
With seating for around 20,000 people, Port of Spain is the third-largest capacity cricket ground in the West Indies. So far, the venue has hosted 61 Test matches since its inaugural game back in 1930. The stadium witnessed its most recent red-ball match in 2018, a West Indies and Sri Lanka clash.
Trinidad Cricket Grounds Test Records
The last encounter between West Indies and India took place at Queen’s Park Oval in 2016, heavy rain affected the game and it ultimately resulted in a draw. Overcast conditions usually get to seen during Test matches in Port of Spain, Trinidad.
- Total matches played: 61
- Matches won by the team batting first: 20
- Matches won by the team batting second: 18
- Matches ended in a draw: 23
- Highest team score in 1st innings: West Indies – 681/8 d vs England, 1954
- Highest team score in 2nd innings: Australia – 600/9 d vs West Indies, 1955
- Highest team score in 3rd innings: India – 469/7 vs West Indies, 1983
- Highest team score in 4th innings: India – 406/4 vs West Indies, 1976
- Lowest team score while batting 1st: Australia – 90/10 vs West Indies, 1978
- Lowest team score while batting 2nd: West Indies – 102/10 vs South Africa, 2010
- Lowest team score while batting 3rd: India – 98/10 vs West Indies, 1962
- Lowest team score while batting 4th: England– 46/10 vs West Indies, 1994
- Average 1st innings total: 302
- Average 2nd innings total: 314
- Average 3rd innings total: 262
- Average 4th innings total: 168
- Best bowling figures for a spinner: Jack Noreiga (WI) – 9/95 vs India, 1971
- Best bowling figures for a pacer: Colin Croft (WI) – 8/29 vs Pakistan, 1977
- Highest score by a batsman: Sunil Gavaskar (IND) – 220(529) vs West Indies, 1971
Queen’s Park Oval Port of Spain Trinidad Pitch Report
Overcast conditions are predicted during the WI vs IND test at Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad. So pace bowlers are expected to get help from the surface. Looking at the weather condition, the team who will win the toss is expected to choose to bowl first. However, usually batting first is considered to be a safe choice in Port of Spain as past records suggest chasing a target has been tough here.
There will be the pace and bounce available and as Duke ball will be used the Trinidad pitch won’t slow down from the first day itself. Batters may take time to settle their feet but once set they will be able to play shots freely. Like the first Test, spinners are expected to play a crucial role in Queen’s Park Oval. India again may have the upper hand over the home side due to the presence of world class spinners Ashwin and Jadeja.
Port of Spain Trinidad Cricket Ground Weather
As per Accuweather, the weather during the WI vs IND 2nd Test will remain mostly cloudy. Rain is expected to affect the play throughout the Test match. We may see patch rain during 1st and 2nd day, however, the play is possible in all 5 days.
