The ARG is also a football venue

The hastily arranged third Test between England and the West Indies at the Antigua Recreation Ground will start as scheduled at 1400 GMT on Sunday.

The match goes ahead after the nearby Sir Vivian Richards Stadium was deemed unfit and dangerous for play on Friday.

Despite the short notice for the pitch to be prepared, referee Alan Hurst has declared it fit for cricket.

"The surface is still not perfect but in 24 hours the ground staff have done a fantastic job," said Hurst.

"They have resolved most of the issues."

Hurst added that he had spoken to both captains and informed them of his decision: "I told them there had to be a little give and take, it (the ground) isn't perfect and we are in something of an abnormal situation."

Ground staff had worked on the surface throughout the day and work was also carried out on the facilities for the spectators.

606: DEBATE Maybe it's good that they have less time to prepare the ARG - usually, when the ARG is prepared they get a road which is a batting paradise! shivfan

"A lot of football is played there and the wicket has a couple of ridges so you have some uneven bounce," he said on Friday.

"We practised there but the field wasn't up to standard."

But Giles Clarke, chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board, told BBC Radio 5 Live that England were prepared to play at the ARG.

The second Test was abandoned after 10 balls because of an unfit outfield.

The West Indies bowlers were struggling to keep their footing on the outfield at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium following recent rain.

Meanwhile, given the short period of time between to prepare for the Test at the ARG, the International Cricket Council has taken the decision that the new Test will take place without the umpire decision review system.

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