adminMELBOURNE. – New Zealand has moved the fourth one-day international cricket match against South Africa away from Napier’s McLean Park after an investigation into an abandoned match against Australia found problems with drainage and irrigation at the venue.
New Zealand’s cricket board was embarrassed two weeks ago when a one-dayer between the hosts and Australia was called off without a single ball bowled after the outfield failed to drain enough despite dry conditions that following morning rain.
An urgent investigation into the ground had found there was “an unacceptable risk of a repeat drainage failure” and the March 1 match had been switched to Hamilton’s Seddon Park, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said in a statement yesterday.
“An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the recently abandoned ODI against Australia at McLean Park has highlighted a need for urgent remedial work on the venue’s turf, drainage, and irrigation system,” NZC said.
NZC said, due to drought conditions, the ground had been given “significant watering” before the match against Australia and the match-day rain had resulted in a “worst-case scenario”. – Reuters.
Online Reporter