Kingston---12 Sept. 2006---Former West Indies fast bowler, Andy Roberts, has been appointed pitch and field consultant to the ICC CWC 2007 Venue Development Department.

The 55-year-old Antiguan, who has been among the region's leading grounds curators for more than a decade, will guide Local Organising Committees (LOCs) and their Cricket Operations Managers on the best methods of pitch preparation for ICC CWC 2007. This will include directing the Host Venues on how to meet ICC and ICC CWC 2007 standards and expectations in pitch preparation.

He will also work closely with ICC Pitch & Field Consultant, Andy Atkinson, to achieve CWC's objective of attaining ICC approval for CWC pitch preparation and management. Roberts, who will report to ICC CWC 2007 Venue Development Director Donald Lockerbie, will tour and review pitch preparations at all CWC 2007 venues – tournament, Warm-up and practice – on a regular basis. The practice venues are where teams will have their training and workout sessions and must therefore be on par with stadia at which tournament and Warm-up matches will be held.

"He will also liaise with the CWC Sports Agronomy Team (UWI Sports Agronomy Unit) to ensure all outfields meet an international standard of excellence in their performance and look," said Lockerbie, adding that Roberts' mandate would necessitate cooperation with the Cricket Operations Department.

The consultant, he noted, is "well respected in his field and understands pitches…and brings a wealth of experience as a former professional cricketer".

"Andy will bring a strong West Indian presence to the pitch assessments at our venues. CWC is pleased to announce his appointment which began on August 15th."

Roberts, the chief curator at the Antigua Recreation Ground and a West Indies selector, said he is happy to be afforded an opportunity to contribute to the tournament, particularly as a former West Indies player.

"I have been involved in pitch preparation for many years and I see this as a chance to further my knowledge of wicket preparation and to contribute to the Cricket World Cup and to the development of cricket in the West Indies in general," he said, noting that this is the first time that Caribbean pitches are being prepared to specific requirements.

Source: ICC Cricket World Cup