“Why So Few Covers”- Michael Vaughan Slams ICC As First Picture Of Rain Hits Guyana Surfaces

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has slammed the Guyana ground crew for failing to cover the entire outfield during the semi-final match between IND and ENG in the event of rain.

The 2024 T20 World Cup pits India (IND) against England (ENG), the reigning champions. The winners will square off against one another.

The match will be at Providence, Guyana’s Guyana National Stadium, on Thursday, June 27. In particular, Team India wants retribution after losing to England in the last match.

The Indians, captained by Rohit Sharma, enter this match having just defeated Australia by 24 runs in their previous meeting, giving them a first-place finish in Group 1 of the Super 8.

“Why so few covers for the whole outfield”- Michael Vaughan 

https://x.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1806146685631906138

The grounds crew at Providence Stadium in Georgetown, Guyana, has only covered the pitches and the space around them; the remaining outfield has remained exposed, as seen in the photos. The outfield would have been soggy due to the recent, heavy rain that has been falling on the Guyana region.

Given the significance of the match and the circumstances surrounding the England team, Michael Vaughan felt that this wasn’t acceptable and he chastised the Guyana staff.

“So huge rain forecasted. It’s the monsoon season so I get it .. so why so few covers for the whole outfield !!!!! surely you get more covers so we cover the whole ground,” wrote Michael Vaughan, replying to a tweet sharing Guyana ground’s picture.

What happens if the T20 World Cup semi-final is washed out?

The Guyana weather prediction indicates a significant likelihood of thunderstorms and rain. There is a 60% chance of precipitation, and it is most likely to be a spoiler. Though ideally, it won’t lead to total abandonment like some prior games in this massive event, we can always expect a stop-start type of game.

The English team’s prospects of qualifying would be eliminated even if they were not to play, and India and South Africa would both advance to the finals. That is why this game is so important.