Portable pitch to be used for Test at Jade Stadium

After taking core sample tests of both the portable and natural pitches at Jade Stadium, New Zealand Cricket and Jade Stadium Management have decided to play the first National Bank Series Test against England on the portable pitch.

New Zealand Cricket operations manager, John Reid, said the portable pitch provided very positive readings suggesting it was likely to produce excellent pace and bounce. The grass cover on the pitch is also outstanding, giving confidence that the pitch will provide very good playing conditions.

"Given the sample test results we have decided to proceed with the portable pitch as our preferred option for the Test match at Jade Stadium," Reid said.

Groundstaff at Jade Stadium had been asked by New Zealand Cricket to prepare two strips for the Test which starts next Wednesday.

"We initially asked Chris Lewis to prepare two strips - a natural strip and a portable. We wanted to be in a position close to the Test match to have a choice which pitch would be used based on the core sample testing. Jade Stadium Turf Manager, Chris Lewis has also indicated that he is very confident in the quality of the portable pitch.

"We are acutely aware that the last Test played on a portable pitch at Jade Stadium did not produce a result, but all the indications about the portable prepared for this match are extremely positive," Reid said.

He added, "We are confident that portable pitches are a technology that cricket needs to embrace if it is to successfully share venues with other sports and provide high quality playing conditions for the its players."

The New Zealand Sports Turf Institute carried out the sampling programme yesterday, Friday 8 March.