Facilities at Broward Park are on par with international standards, says MS Dhoni
Indian ODI and T20 skipper MS Dhoni is very optimistic about the future of cricket in the United States of America following the two-day T20 carnival at the Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill, Florida. India lost the 2-match T20 series to the West Indies after rain disallowed play to resume after the Men in Blue were set a target of 144 runs. The first match, though, was one of the most entertaining matches ever played in the history of T20s.
With a massive 489 runs scored in the first encounter, Evin Lewis, the southpaw who got a spot in the top XI due to an injury suffered by the Jamaican Chris Gayle, scored a century and guided the West Indies to a 245 run total. Chasing a record-breaking total, the ‘Men in Blue’ fell short of the score by a single run.
Also read: Captains Carlos Brathwaite and MS Dhoni in disagreement over state of outfield
As per the reports from ESPN Cricinfo, the Indian skipper is happy with the facilities of the venue and lauded it of being an “international standard” ground. "The facility is as good as anywhere else”, said the Indian wicket-keeper.
"The ground itself is up to international standard. You can't score 500 runs on a bad wicket, so fantastic wicket. The practice wickets were fantastic. When it comes to the stadium, it's not a big stadium. The moment I say stadium I mean the number of fans it can house. I think it's close to 15,000. So overall looking at everything as a complete package, I think it was fantastic. We had fun”, said the World Cup winning captain.
India played its first ever International match on American soil and the stadium saw huge crowds gather to watch their heroes. Indian fans have supported their national team wherever they play; the skipper hilariously also commentated that they would be followed by people even if they play a match in the ‘Bermuda Triangle.’
Also read: India vs West Indies 2016, 2nd T20I Stats: Jasprit Bumrah breaks T20I world record
He said, "When it comes to the Indian fans, it's a pleasure playing in front of them. They follow us everywhere wherever we are playing. So it's a first time we are playing in the USA but not to forget we have a big Indian community out here so thanks to them for coming and watching the game."
India has a pretty busy upcoming home season which is scheduled to start next month when New Zealand play their first Test. England will also visit for a 5-match Test series along with ODIs and T20s followed by Australian invasion next year.