Nelson to host maiden one-day international

Nelson will host its first ever men's international match when West Indies tour New Zealand in December-January for three Tests, five ODIs and two T20s. The Saxton Oval, which had earlier hosted a women's international T20 in 2010-11, will also host three group matches in the 2015 World Cup.

West Indies' tour begins with the Tests in Dunedin, Wellington and Hamilton, followed by the ODIs and T20s. Though no warm-up games were scheduled, ESPNcricinfo understands that there is likely to be a three-day game in late November, before the Tests. Auckland's Eden Park will host the first ODI on Boxing Day, while Queenstown and Nelson will host the third and fourth games on New Year's day and January 4 respectively.

Nelson Cricket Association general manager Ed Shuttleworth said the chance to host a major international will be a boost for cricket in the South Island town.

"To bring international cricket to our region has been a goal for many years and achieving this is a moment of real pride for all those involved in developing cricket and the facilities in the region," Shuttleworth said. "The legacy of international cricket will be significant with participation increasing and kids being inspired by seeing the Blackcaps in their home town."

New Zealand Cricket CEO David White said the intention was to build an annual series of matches at popular holiday destinations like Nelson and Queenstown.

White said there had been no progress in the schedule for the proposed tour by India, in the second half of the New Zealand summer.

"I have to admit discussions with the BCCI have taken longer than we hoped, but we should be able to announce the tour schedule in the next few weeks," White said.

West Indies last toured New Zealand in 2008-09, drawing the two Test series 0-0 but losing the ODIs and T20s 2-1 and 0-1 respectively.