PORT-OF-SPAIN, Oct 10: Sir Frank Worrell Oval will replace Brian Lara Stadium for 2007 Cricket World Cup in the West Indies.

Construction delays at the Lara Stadium in Trinidad led to officials deciding it would not be ready in time.

The Worrell Oval is located on the University of West Indies campus, also in Trinidad.

It will host a four-match warm-up series between Pakistan, South Africa, Canada and Ireland from March 5-9 ahead of March-11 to April-28 tournament.

The World Cup 2007 venue development officials approved the venue on Monday. The ground, along with Guaracara Park in Pointe-a-Pierre were the two venues being considered to replace the Brian Lara Stadium at Tarouba, currently under construction.

Roger Boynes, the minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, made the disclosure that the Worrell ground was the preferred choice, mainly because of the impressive state of the pitch and outfield. The ICC's reservations over Guaracara Park's proximity to the Petrotrin oil refinery was also taken into consideration. —Agencies