No one is certain how the conditions in the West Indies will turn out. Two of the eight grounds scheduled to host World Cup games are brand new; three others have had just 17 ODIs among them.

Though tracks have tended towards the turgid in recent times, conditions are expected to vary across islands. Moreover, administrators and broadcasters can be trusted to look after their interests — and that involves laying out good batting conditions. Wicket squares in the established centres have been re-laid recently as well.

Here is a look at the World Cup venues:

Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua (new facility): Capacity: 20,000; Matches: Super 8.

Built in partnership with China, the stadium replaces the Antigua Recreation Ground, the traditional venue of cricket. Situated halfway between the airport and the capital city St. John's, it reportedly cost US$ 60 million to build.

Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados: Capacity: 28,000; Matches: Super 8 and Final.

— Photo: AP

ALL SPRUCED UP: An aerial view of the new Providence stadium, Guyana, which has been built with India's assistance.

Wrapped in history — having hosted the West Indies's first Test — the Oval has willingly embraced change.

A drainage and irrigation system modelled on professional football grounds in Europe should prevent the final, scheduled on April 28, from being ambushed by the elements. Tracks here have traditionally offered bounce, though the Oval hasn't been entirely exempt from the slowdown afflicting pitches in the Caribbean.

National Cricket Stadium, St. George's, Grenada: Capacity: 20,000; Matches: Super 8.

Hit by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, which reportedly ripped the roofs off the stands, demolished the electronic scoreboard, and mangled the manual one. The stadium has been rebuilt.

Providence Stadium, Providence, Guyana (new facility): Capacity: 20,000; Matches: Super 8.

Built with India's assistance, the stadium replaces Bourda, Shivnarine Chanderpaul's below-sea-level home ground.

Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica: Capacity: 21,000; Matches: Cup opener, group stage, and semifinal.

Few grounds are so propitiously located: the backdrop of the Blue Mountains wins points for aesthetics, but the fact that the ground is located in the driest spot in Kingston clinches it.

The recent turn to concrete has disappointed the die-hards, who prefer the `grounds' section (open mounds). But, the mighty George Headley Stand that seats a large part of the crowd is spectacular, and the pavilion terrace as pretty as any anywhere.

The playing strip used to be fast and characterised by a mirror-like sheen. But, the sheen has disappeared. The wicket India and the West Indies played a Test on was under-prepared; authorities seeking to cultivate run-fests will ensure it isn't repeated.

Warner Park, Basseterre, St. Kitts: Capacity: 10,000; Matches: Group stage.

Neat stands and grassy mounds intersperse the periphery of the playing area of Warner Park. Excellent facilities make Warner Park, built with Taiwan's financial assistance, a popular choice. One side of the ground has a short boundary: consequently, defending — as Rahul Dravid found out — is a headache.

On last year's evidence of one ODI and one Test, the track, despite being on the slower side, favours batting.

Beausejour Stadium, Gros Islet, St. Lucia: Capacity: 20,000; Matches: Group stage and semifinal.

The most modern of cricket stadiums in the Caribbean before others followed suit in a desperate bid to get ready for the World Cup. State-of-the-art, comfortable, picturesque — Beausejour compares favourably with any facility around the world.

The square was re-laid to almost double the clay content. But, it showed no signs of quickening up.

Queens Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad: Capacity: 25,000; Matches: Group stage.

Situated a stone's throw — if you have a throw like Jeff Thomson's that is — from Brian Lara's posh hilltop bungalow, the stadium is among the largest in the region and among the most colourful anywhere.

Inspection of the renovation work in February revealed worryingly that it was behind schedule. But, the residents of Port of Spain are past masters at chivvying things along at the last minute.

The track has traditionally played slow and low. India, based here in the group stage, has fond memories of the stadium.

Other stadiums part of the World Cup, though not in the capacity of hosting ODIs, include Trelawny, which will stage the opening ceremony, Arnos Vale, the University of West Indies ground, and the 3Ws Oval, which will all host warm-up games.

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