Date-stamped : 16 Jul1998 - 06:17
15 July 1998

Russell arrives to supervise pitch preparation

Sports Reporter

Philip Edger Russell has arrived in the city yesterday to supervise
the ground development works at the Dhaka Stadium which will host the
Wills International Trophy from October 24 to November 4.

On his arrival in the city, the South Africa-based curator expressed
his satisfaction the way local pitch experts preparing the grounds for
the big event. Nine Test-playing nations -- defending champions Sri
Lanka, Australia, India, West Indies, Pakistan, England, South Africa,
New Zealand and Zimbabwe -- will take part in the over-limit knock-out
tournament.

" I think it will be a fantastic ground by the end of September", said
Russell. Although this was his third visit to Bangladesh, this time
around Russell has been appointed by the game's ruling body to
co-ordinate with the local experts.

Having already won the heart of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), who
brought him last summer, Russell was lauded by everyone during the
Independence Cup for laying sporting wickets at the Dhaka Stadium.
During his brief but significant visit in Dhaka, the witty Briton, who
migrated to South Africa, will also inspect four other practice venues
at the Dhanmondi Cricket Stadium, Sultana Kamal Women's Sports
Complex, BUET and BKSP.

Russell will submit a report to the ICC on his return to London on
July 17.

Meanwhile, Asif Iqbal, the event manager of the Wills International
Trophy, is also expected to reach the capital today to inspect the
over-all development works for the tourney.

Source:: The Bangladesh Daily Star (http://www.dailystarnews.com)

Contributed by The Management