ICC places ban on Antigua venue

Ground staff were unable to make the pitch playable in Antigua

The International Cricket Council has ruled that no international cricket should be played at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium for at least a year.

The move follows the abandonment of the Test between West Indies and England at the Antigua venue on 13 February.

The match was called off after only 10 balls because of an unfit outfield.

The ICC says the ground will not be used again until extensive remedial work is carried out and it passes an inspection from the governing body.

The stadium was opened in February 2007 for the World Cup, where it hosted six one-day internationals.

It staged only one Test before the abandoned game - between West Indies and Australia in 2008.

With 14 minutes and 1.4 overs of play, last month's abandoned game was recorded as the shortest Test match in history.

The five-Test series - which included a replacement Test at the old Antigua Recreation Ground - was won 1-0 by West Indies.