Cricket: Hamilton loses Australia one-dayer

UPDATE - The New Zealand-Australia one-day cricket international on March 2 has been removed from Hamilton.

After consultation with the Northern Districts Cricket Association and the Hamilton City Council, New Zealand Cricket today decided to transfer the match from Westpac Park because of pitch problems.

Though a decision has yet to be made where the match will be played, the likely venue is either Eden Park (Auckland), Jade Stadium (Christchurch) or Basin Reserve (Wellington).

Controversy surrounded the Black Caps against the World XI game on Wednesday in which the World XI were bowled out for 81. Players said afterwards the pitch was sub-standard.


NZC high performance manager John Reid, Westpac Park turf manager Karl Johnson and Eden Park turf manager Mark Perham inspected the pitch today to assess the causes of the problems highlighted in the low scoring match.


The officials were looking for an interim solution that could be implemented before the Australia match.


NZC chief executive Martin Snedden said the most probable cause of the poor pitch quality on Wednesday was that it had not completely settled since laid in April last year and there wasn't an immediate solution available which would guarantee a good pitch for the Australia match.


"We have decided to move the Australian ODI as we can't afford to risk the pitch for that match not being up to international standard," he said.


"We need to ensure the match is played on a good quality surface."


NZC was now working with venue authorities to determine which ground the March 2 match would be transferred to, with the most likely options being Eden Park, Jade Stadium or the Basin Reserve.


"Hamilton City Council has done tremendous work improving facilities and upgrading the quality of the ground at Westpac Park. The issue with the wicket block is likely to be short term," Snedden said.


"With the exception of the pitch issues, there were a large number of positives from the day which showed that the venue has the ability to successfully host ODIs.


"We made the decision to play Wednesday's match at Westpac Park based on previous experience with Waikari wicket blocks. We had expected that the block would have settled enough to allow an acceptable playing surface to be prepared.


"That wasn't the case and ultimately the responsibility for that decision rests with NZC.


"I am happy with the efforts of the Westpac Park turf management team. The issue appears to be one with the block not settling as quickly as would be expected, rather than with the preparation of the playing surface."


Two State Shield matches due to be played at Westpac Park today and Sunday have been moved to Gisborne.


- NZPA