Doig plays down meagre test takings (15 March 1999)

15 March 1999

Doig plays down meagre test takings

Geoff Longley

The minimal gate-takings from the weather-ravaged weekend of test cricket at Jade Stadium will not adversely affect New Zealand Cricket's season budget.

NZC chief executive Chris Doig said the bulk of revenue came from the one-day internationals and ticket sales for the final three one-dayers were good.

The budget for test cricket tended to be pessimistic, Doig said, declining to go into specifics.

"Obviously losing two days play over the weekend is taking off some of the cream there might have otherwise been." However, the poor gate receipts from the weekend and a disappointing return from the drawn Auckland test have NZC below budget from the first two tests of the three-game BNZ series.

Doig said the negative lead-up to the Eden Park match, with the accent on the problem pitch, had contributed to the poor crowd.

"There was speculation about the block and people who were probably undecided didn't go. It was also wet on the first day."

Doig said it was preferable to have test matches start on a Friday and build momentum through the weekend. He also acknowledged it was better to have the tests played earlier than March with less likelihood of weather disruption.

"But we have to accept the reality of when some teams can tour here. And when have we had two wet days like this in Christchurch of late?"

Next season Australia will visit at a similar time to South Africa, from mid-February to late March, after completing its home international season.

"We are then starting to compete for the public's and media's time and attention with Super 12 rugby. It's not ideal."

Meanwhile, cricket test referee Alan Smith, defended the Jade Stadium ground staff after long periods of inactivity over the last two days of the second test.

The rain has been of the light, misty variety and the ground covering facilities have been slow to be put in place.

The main cover, a long blue motorised cover, takes about half an hour to roll at a snail's pace from the boundary to the centre of the ground.

However, International Cricket Council referee Smith applauded the ground staff for their efforts.

"They did a very good job getting things sorted out and cleared up."

Source :: The Christchurch Press (https://www.press.co.nz/)