By Nick Breeze, ICT tour manager
The week began on Monday when we flew from Barbados to Antigua, a nice easy short hop, island to island.
Leaving behind the disappointment of the Scotland wash out and the defeat against Australia, we knew that two winnable games awaited us.
Our match against Oman was not until Thursday, so our clients went on a variety of different tours, both exploring the island and going out to sea on catamaran cruises.
ICT x Sir Curtly Ambrose
The highlight of the week was our Wednesday evening, ICT Antigua event. We were delighted to have Sir Curtly Ambrose join us at Siboney Beach Club for an intimate sundowner, where he told us stories from his cricket playing days and his aspirations to keep coaching. Sir Curtly also fielded questions from the audience.
Don Topley, also in attendance, gave us added insight with his cricketing knowledge. The evening finished with pictures and autographs galore, along with Sir Curtly giving our youngest attendees a small lesson on bowling. A very enjoyable night throughout.
The next day was the first of our ventures to the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. Everybody knew it was viewed as the game England needed to use to vastly improve their net run rate, and Jos Buttler’s men did not disappoint.
Oman, what a performance!
Bowling Oman out for 47, our boys went on to chase the runs down in 3.1 overs. The stage was set for a dramatic last day, England needing to win and Australia needing to do us a favour against an impressive Scotland side.
It’s now Saturday morning and guess what: rain!
Was this going to be the end of England’s hopes of going through to the Super 8s? On arrival at the stadium, around midday, the weather seemed to be clearing up, the teams were out warming up, maybe it was just a little shower and it had passed? Think again! The expectant audience had to sit until 4pm until we finally got the game underway.
With the match reduced to 10 overs, the England batsmen didn’t start too well but once they got into their rhythm the boundaries started to flow, and England finished with an impressive total of 122 for 5.
So close for Scotland
After a short break, the Namibians went into bat and with some impressive bowling, they never managed to get their run rate up to realistically get close to England’s total. The boys had done their part, but qualification was now in the hands of the next game in group B.
We have had a joyful time hosting the Scottish supporters throughout this trip and I haven’t smiled and laughed as much as when watching their passionate and patriotism following of their country. What a joy!
Unfortunately, only two teams could qualify, and with Australia heading up the table it was a straight shoot out. Scotland fought heroically against Australia and on another day could easily have been sending England home early. There were a lot of relieved England fans on Antigua, I can attest to that!
Finally, my Barbados and Antigua tour has ended, time for our journey home and to follow the English exploits from afar. The rest will continue in St Lucia and Barbados, with the hope that with our next three games a semi-final place will be on the cards.
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