Test teams unlikely in New York this summer

A potential match between New Zealand and another Full Member team in USA this summer appears more likely to happen in Florida rather than New York after plans to revitalise Floyd Bennett Field have not panned out so far. USA Cricket Association President Gladstone Dainty told ESPNcricinfo in February that a plan had been put in place to install a turf wicket and make other upgrades to the Brooklyn facility so that an international fixture could be staged there in August, but that timeline has been pushed back.

"We're really trying to do something in September," Dainty told ESPNcricinfo. "Now where? We really wanted it to be in the New York-New Jersey area. I don't know if it can happen, but we're still working on it. Right now I'm more sure that we're going do something than I am that it's going to be New York or New Jersey."

"We actually had an inspection [at Floyd Bennett Field] done by a top cricket official or referee. We are awaiting his report. The initial assessment is that it's a great location. It will be a great facility but it needs work. We all know that so it depends on how fast we can get that work done."

Multiple sources confirmed over the weekend that ICC Global Development Manager Tim Anderson and ICC Match Referee Jeff Crowe were both recently in New York to meet with USACA officials and have a look at Floyd Bennett Field. A matting wicket is currently used for club matches there and the overall condition of the field is poor, making it unrealistic that it could be revamped by the end of the summer. Obtaining permits to use the ground could also be another obstacle to overcome.

Dainty did say though that using New York as a venue did not necessarily hinge on a turf wicket being installed at Floyd Bennett Field. It could depend on the ability of Cricket Holdings America's members to convince two Full Member boards that playing on an artificial pitch either at Floyd Bennett Field or elsewhere in New York would create more attention and exposure than playing in Florida on a natural turf wicket.

"What we're more concerned about is what type of match it will be," Dainty said. "I don't think we can get an official match because I don't think New York or New Jersey has a facility. So do we do New York or New Jersey and have a match or do we go to Florida where you can have an official match? So those are decisions we have to make."