Lambeth gas Oval project

Lambeth Council has buffed Surrey's grand hospitality scheme thanks to the iconic gas works stationed close to the Brit Oval.

The Council has distanced itself from any impending explosion that may occur in Vauxhall and rejected Surrey's proposal for a 170-room hotel. The four star venture would replace the ugly banqueting suites by the pavilion and open up the ground's Victorian architecture for all to see.

The OCS stand by the Alec Stewart gates has made the Oval into a fantastic venue. I love the stand and the top balcony at mid-off is one of the best views in cricket in my opinion. In fact, my top five is: 1. Watching from Galle Fort 2. OCS Stand at The Oval 3. Tavern Stand at Lord's 4. Anywhere at Adelaide 5. A full-house at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

What's yours?

Where de fans?

Catch the latest podcast which can be heard here. There seems to be a regular theme in recent weeks: namely negative thoughts on West Indian cricket. Lack of fast bowlers, fielding and now the decline in West Indian fans have all been covered.

This week I explore the association between West Indies and the Kennington Oval in south London. Once a spiritual home to the London Caribbean fraternity, now there isn't even the traditional last Test in the Wisden Trophy. Blame the convoluted fixtures calendar as India play there later in the summer. Anyway, I'm on the case of Alec Stewart and Rodney Hinds, the Voice newspaper's sports editor, for reason.

Know of any positive Caribbean stories before the tourists go home?