Pictures cannot do justice to the emotions attached to an event. To visit one of the treasured homes of sporting events is filled with high and low emotions: the joy of memories of games past, the sights and sounds of heroes of the game performing, the passing of those same legends. Kensington Oval is one such home, not just for Barbadians but for many who love the game of cricket. For that reason, it has earned the name of "The Mecca": somewhere that a true cricket fan must visit.
I won't pretend to being a true cricket fan, but I share the sense of reverence that the Kensington Oval evokes. We happen to have come to Barbados during one of the most important times in Caribbean cricket history, with the World Cup being held in the region for the first time. The final will be held at Kensington on April 28, but before that, the renewed stadium had a dress rehearsal re-opening on February 17. We cheered at many things: the parade of legends of the game, including Sir Garfield Sobers, still regarded as the best cricketer of all time, and supreme batsman, Sir Vivian Richards. "Sir Viv" would lead a team of West Indies legends against a World XI (eleven). But before the game we sampled stilt walkers, and tumblers, and The Barbados Defence Force Band, all of whom added a wonderful festive atmosphere. The crowd played its part too, even those attending a cricket match for the first time.
On this day, the result was of least importance. More important was the cheering at the flashing bat, at the tumbling catch, and at the dislodged wicket. Still more important was the sense of pride and achievement heralded by the renovated cricket ground. The finals should be a wonderful spectacle, made more glorious if the Windies are playing and likely to be the scene of pandemonium if Windies win. Rally!
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