The Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium, previously known as the Beausejour Stadium, is one of the most iconic cricket grounds in the Caribbean. Located in the picturesque town of Gros Islet, St. Lucia, this stadium is a testament to the region’s rich cricketing heritage. Named after the legendary St. Lucian cricketer Daren Sammy, who led the West Indies to two ICC T20 World Cup victories, the stadium has become a hub for cricket in the Caribbean since its establishment in 2002.
A Glimpse into the Stadium’s History
Built in 2002, the Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium quickly became a prominent venue for international cricket. Originally named the Beausejour Stadium, it was renamed in 2016 to honor Daren Sammy, St. Lucia’s cricketing hero. Over the years, the stadium has hosted numerous international matches across all formats, including Tests, One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
Venue Overview
Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium Details
| Category | Details |
| Venue Name | Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium |
| Location | Gros Islet, St. Lucia, West Indies |
| Opened | 2002 |
| Seating Capacity | 15,000 (expanding to 20,000) |
| Pitch Behavior | Batting-friendly wickets with assistance for spinners |
| Floodlights | Yes |
| Bowling Ends | Pavilion End, Media Centre End |
| Boundary Length | 63m (shortest) – 78m (longest) |
The Pitch: A Batsman’s Paradise with a Twist
The Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium is renowned for its batting-friendly wickets, which often result in high-scoring encounters. The pitch offers true bounce, allowing batsmen to play their shots freely. As a result, fans are often treated to explosive batting displays, with large scores being the norm rather than the exception.
However, it’s not just a batsman’s playground. Spinners, especially in the later stages of the innings, find some assistance from the surface. The pitch tends to grip and turn, making spinners a crucial factor in the middle and death overs. On the other hand, fast bowlers often struggle to extract significant movement or pace from the surface, making it a challenging venue for them.
Read More:Providence Stadium Pitch Report || R. Premadasa Stadium Pitch Report
Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium: Stats and Records
The stadium has seen a plethora of memorable matches, with records being set and broken over the years. Here’s a detailed look at the key statistics and records at the Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium:
T20I Statistics:
| Total Matches Played | 35 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 15 |
| Matches Won Bowling First | 20 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 139 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 126 |
| Highest Total Recorded | 199/8 (20 overs) by West Indies vs. Australia |
| Lowest Total Recorded | 72/10 (20 overs) by Bangladesh Women vs. Sri Lanka Women |
| Highest Score Chased | 197/7 (19.5 overs) by Australia vs. Pakistan |
| Lowest Score Defended | 97/7 (20 overs) by Sri Lanka Women vs. Bangladesh Women |
West Indies’ Performance at the Stadium:
The West Indies cricket team has a mixed record at the Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium across all formats. Here’s a breakdown of their performances:
Test Matches:
| Matches Played | 10 |
| Won | 2 |
| Lost | 4 |
| Drawn | 4 |
One-Day Internationals (ODIs):
| Matches Played | 23 |
| Won | 8 |
| Lost | 11 |
| Tied | 1 |
| No Result | 3 |
Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is):
| Matches Played | 9 |
| Won | 5 |
| Lost | 4 |
Boundary Length: A Challenge for Bowlers
The boundary length at the Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium varies, adding another layer of strategy for both batsmen and bowlers. The shortest boundary is 63 meters, while the longest stretches to 78 meters. This range provides an interesting challenge, especially for bowlers, who need to be precise with their line and length to avoid getting hit over the ropes. Batsmen, on the other hand, look to exploit the shorter boundaries to maximize their scoring opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the boundary length at the Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium?
The boundary length at the Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium ranges from 63 meters to 78 meters, with the shortest boundary being 63 meters and the longest boundary being 78 meters.
2. Is the pitch at Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium a batting or bowling pitch?
The pitch at the Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium is traditionally batting-friendly, making it a paradise for batsmen. However, as the game progresses, spinners can extract some turn from the surface, making it challenging for batsmen in the middle and later stages of the innings.
3. What is the capacity of the Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St. Lucia?
The Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium has a seating capacity of 15,000. However, there are plans to expand this capacity to 20,000 in the near future, further enhancing its status as a premier cricket venue in the Caribbean.
4. What type of pitch is found at the Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium?
The pitch at the Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium is known for being batting-friendly. It offers good bounce and pace, allowing batsmen to play their shots freely. However, spinners can benefit from the surface as the game progresses, especially in the later stages of a T20 match.
5. How large is the Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium?
The Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium is one of the largest cricket stadiums in the Caribbean, with a seating capacity of 15,000. It is set against the scenic backdrop of Gros Islet, making it not just a sports venue but a picturesque landmark in St. Lucia.
6. In which country is the Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium located?
The Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium is located in Gros Islet, St. Lucia, an island nation in the Caribbean Sea. St. Lucia is part of the West Indies, a region famous for its cricketing legacy.
Leave a comment