Security threat looms large over the England cricket team's hotel in Trinidad after the killing of a 47-year-old (X.COM)
In a chilling turn of events, England's cricket team finds themselves in an unexpected lockdown in Trinidad after a man was fatally shot just yards away from their hotel's front door. The incident occurred at 1:20 am on Monday on Wrightson Road, the very location where the Hyatt Regency, the team's residence, is situated.
Trinidad and Tobago grapples with a troubling surge in gun crime, ranking sixth globally in overall crime rates and eleventh in gun deaths per capita. The British government's travel advisory for Trinidad underscores the severity, warning of a "high level of violent crime," particularly noting increased "gang-related attacks and shootings around the city center of Port of Spain."
Prioritizing player safety, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had instructed players to stay within the secure confines of the Hyatt Regency. The gravity of the situation became evident with the tragic loss of a 47-year-old near the team's accommodation, highlighting the palpable and immediate threat despite the implemented precautionary measures.
In the wake of this incident, the security around the England cricket team has been significantly heightened. The ECB's security staff has reiterated the importance of adhering to safety protocols, emphasizing restricted movement outside of scheduled activities.
This unfortunate turn of events comes amid an intense T20 International series between England and the West Indies. Despite the security concerns, England managed to secure a significant victory in the third match, propelling them back into contention in the five-match series. The team achieved a historic T20I run chase in the Caribbean, successfully pursuing a daunting target of 223 at the National Cricket Stadium in St George's Grenada.
The heroics were led by Phil Salt, whose unbeaten century (109* runs off 56 balls) and Harry Brook's blistering 31* off seven deliveries sealed a remarkable comeback for the reigning T20 world champions. Brook's exceptional performance in the final over, scoring 21 runs against the experienced Andre Russell, snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.
In recognition of his outstanding innings, Salt was rightfully awarded the Player of the Match. This triumph not only breathed new life into England's T20I series campaign but also showcased the team's resilience in the face of adversity. The remaining matches are at the Brian Lara Stadium on December 19 and December 21.
 "Sumit Gupta")
