Lloyd happy with facilities

Versel Thompson, Freelance Writer

January 14, 1998


England's coach David Lloyd has expressed satisfaction with the training facilities provided for the England squad since their arrival in Jamaica last Thursday.

The tourists who flew into the island four days ahead of schedule because of bad weather in Antigua, trained for three days at Kensington Park before moving to Sabina Park yesterday.

``We had a little fielding and catching practice in Antigua but our three days at Kensington Park were wonderful ones as we played out in the middle as if it was a serious match,'' Lloyd said yesterday.

``We tried to get everyone involved. It was a good way to get the batsmen and bowlers in a match type situation and I believe we used our time meaningfully,'' he said.

Under Lloyd's direction the touring squad did light training at Sabina Park yesterday.

``We will have another session tomorrow (today) before we depart for Montego Bay to play against Jamaica,'' he said.

The England coach praised the weather in Jamaica.

``The weather here in Jamaica is ideal and could not be better and the players all love it,'' he said.

Lloyd who watched some action in the Jamaica versus Barbados President's Cup match refused to be drawn into any criticism of the newly laid Sabina Park pitch.

``I have no quarrel about the pitch. We have a balanced team and a good blend in our bowling which includes a left-arm spinner in Phil Tufnell and an off-spinner in Robert Croft. We also have seamers Chris Silverwood, Andrew Caddick, Dean Headley, Angus Fraser and the young Ashley Cowan in our squad,'' he said.


Source: The Jamaica Gleaner

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Date-stamped : 25 Feb1998 - 18:43