Antigua, February 13:

An unsuitable outfield forced the abandonment of play on the opening day of the second Test between West Indies England after 45 minutes at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground here on Friday.

Play was called off following talks between players, umpires and Alan Hurst, the match referee, with England at 7-0.

Discussions are taking place to determine whether the problem ground can be repaired or whether the Test will have to be relocated to another venue. England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chairman Giles Clarke commented: “The ECB is committed to playing this Test match in Antigua once the ground is safe.”

West Indies lead the four-Test series 1-0, after they bowled out England for their third-lowest total in Tests of 51 in the second innings of the opening Test at Kingston to post an innings and 23-run victory inside four days.