The odds of Dunedin hosting one of
the three tests against Pakistan this summer look promising,
Otago Cricket Association chief executive Ross Dykes says.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) yesterday confirmed Pakistan's home
test series against the Black Caps will be played on New
Zealand soil beginning in late November, while the
limited-over games will take place in the United Arab
Emirates in October.
The series was originally scheduled for Pakistan, but NZC
canned the tour after a terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan
team bus in Lahore earlier this year left seven people dead
and seven cricketers injured.
The University Oval has hosted tests against Bangladesh and
the West Indies in the past two years and Dykes believes it
will be towards the top of list when NZC sits down to
allocate the fixtures.
"I think our chances are pretty good . . . and I see no
reason why the venue would not be viewed favourably."
The Basin Reserve in Wellington and Seddon Park in Hamilton
are the country's two leading cricket grounds and are the
frontrunners, he said. Next on the list are McLean Park in
Napier and the University Oval.
The Oval is really the only option in the South Island, with
NZC reluctant to schedule tests in large venues like AMI
Stadium in Christchurch and the Queenstown Events Centre
considered a one-day venue.
"That is a big advantage for us."
Last summer the West Indies test was ruined by poor weather
and following the match, NZC chief executive Justin Vaughan
was critical of the ground's drainage.
The University Oval also received some critical feedback in a
survey organised by the Cricket Players Association. The
players voted it as the worst major cricket ground in the
country.
"We are well aware of the shortcomings of this ground and are
gradually overcoming those."
Otago cricket has had discussions with the Dunedin City
Council about the drainage issue and work is planned
following the rugby season.
NZC expects to release a confirmed playing schedule for
2009-10 by the end of this month.
Bookmark/Search this post with:
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.