Auckland to have a Test venue

Auckland cricket authorities have planned to convert Eden Park's outer oval into a Test-standard ground by late next year to ensure a return of five-day matches to the city. The authorities are searching for smaller venues to host Test matches as the 60,000-capacity Eden Park will be financially unfeasible to host a five-day match due to low turnout.

"We've done the groundwork and believe we are very close to complying with the International Cricket Council at the moment," said Brent King, Auckland chairman. "We are expecting that later this year the ICC will review it."

The playing area, according to the authorities, is sufficient enough but the ground needs to improve on the security measures, as well as increasing spectator seating and improving VIP and media areas.

West Indies, Australia and India are due to play in New Zealand during the 2008-09 season and King hopes the outer oval can be approved in time for a test against at least two of the teams. Even though Auckland Cricket is not too happy at New Zealand Cricket's (NZC) decision not to play any Tests at Eden Park, King agrees that there is no point sitting back and feeling sour.

"We understand their position. They've made it clear. We've got to deliver what NZC want, or we miss out and it's certainly an objective of ours that this is the last time we lose a test in Auckland."