The Skerritt issue is unfortunately another sympton of the dreadful pmuddle that pervades West Indies cricket at the moment. It extends downwards from the ECCB, through selectors, coaching staff, and captaincy to the players.

Reading the local press, the internal wrangling also exists at individual national level in each of the countries from which the team is drawn.

I posted a weather forecast for Barbados in another thread. Rachael asked fo pitch info if I had any.

All I've been able to find out is that apart from a lushish outfield due to much recent rain in the Eastern Caribbean, the ground staff are keeping their cards close to their chests as to the track to be used. Local reports from jouralists on the spot will be the best bet for info.

As for Antigua; there has been one cricket match at the ARG since October. Prior to that It was used for football. All I can say is that the outfield will be slowish for the same reason as Barbados, plenty of rain over the last few weeks. Not that it makes much difference with it being such a small ground.

An extra 250 seater stand is to be erected in Antigua at the prison end of the ground. Not sure how that will work at all. I'll let you know, when they get on with it, if anyone's interested