G Longley: NZC opts for March test - Clash with Super 12 feared (29 May 1998)

29 May 1998

NZC opts for March test

by Geoff Longley

Clash with Super 12 feared.

Cricket has staked its claim for a New Zealand-South Africa test match at Lancaster Park in mid-March next year even though rugby's Super 12 competition will be well under-way.

New Zealand Cricket yesterday released its dates for the international season which has tours by India and South Africa.

It is understood Canterbury Cricket is hosting the second match of the three-test series from March 11 to 15.

That could conflict with the Canterbury Crusaders programme, although NZC officials have been in contact with their New Zealand Rugby Union counterparts.

Several venues in New Zealand are dual purpose grounds where dates in March have to be scheduled carefully to avoid clashes.

"Chris Doig (NZC chief executive) has openly said March is still a cricket month, but it is in everybody's best interest to work together," said NZC communications manager Michelle Lewis.

A Super 12 draft draw for next season has yet to be done but stadium availability is a key factor.

Canterbury Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew said the Crusaders usually played in the first few weeks of March at home, but compiling the draw was a complex exercise.

Cricket departed the ground early this season with the last international played on March 4 against Zimbabwe and Canterbury's remaining Shell Trophy games played at Rangiora.

Meanwhile, Doig met Indian officials in Delhi earlier this week after problems finalising India's itinerary, but it is now confirmed.

India will play three tests scheduled for Dunedin the week before Christmas, Wellington from Boxing Day, and probably Hamilton in the new year. A five-match one-day series follows which, according to venues on the Internet, has Christchurch hosting the final game on January 19.

Auckland's Eden Park will likely have the first test against South Africa in late February because it is also a rugby ground.

In the six-game one-day series, which is split on either side of the three-test series, Christchurch looks likely to host one of the first three games in February, probably the second on February 17.

"Experience suggests that holding day-night matches late in March leads to problems with dew on the ground," said Canterbury Cricket's chief executive Tony Murdoch.

Doig also gained acceptance for a return visit by New Zealand to India next year with a five-test series planned after New Zealand's four-test tour of England.

Doig was also able to arrange reciprocal tours by the A teams of the two countries, meaning India A will play in the annual Conference cricket series in November 2000.

Teams from Pakistan, England, and India will play in the Conference series over the next three summers.

INDIA

Central Districts, Dec 7-10.
Wellington, Dec 12-15.
NZ, first test, Dec 18-22.
NZ, second test, Dec 26-30.
NZ, third test, Jan 2-6.
NZ, one-day international, Jan 9.
NZ, one-day international, Jan 12.
NZ, one-day international, Jan 14.
NZ, one-day international, Jan 16.
NZ, one-day international, Jan 19.

SOUTH AFRICA

BIL Academy, Feb 13.
NZ, one-day international, Feb 14.
NZ, one-day international, Feb 17.
NZ, one-day international, Feb 20.
Northern Districts, Feb 22-24.
NZ, first test, Feb 27-Mar 3.
NZ A, March 6-8.
NZ, second test, Mar 11-15.
NZ, third test, Mar 18-22.
NZ, one-day international, Mar 25.
NZ, one-day international, Mar 27.
NZ, one-day international, Mar 30.

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