Last week’s landmark deal between Auckland and the Government has moved to cement Eden Park as New Zealand’s national stadium. That, though, leaves serious questions over Auckland’s role in hosting test cricket.
The Black Caps’ innings victory over England in March 2018 was the last time Auckland hosted a test. In the years since, Christchurch’s Hagley Oval, Wellington’s Basin Reserve, Hamilton’s Seddon Park and Tauranga’s Bay Oval have been New Zealand’s premier test venues.
That lack of test cricket in New Zealand’s biggest city hasn’t gone unnoticed either, with high hopes Colin Maiden Park could prove to be a genuine option, if all goes to plan.
“In Auckland, to have a proper test venue is crucial,” Auckland Aces wicketkeeper Cam Fletcher told the Herald. “We know people love coming to Eden Park and the odd test being there.
The Black Caps have not played a test at Eden Park since 2018. Photo / Photosport
“To have a ground in Auckland where you can have test matches would be great. The potential for Colin Maiden at the moment is high, we just have to see how things progress in the next nine to 12 months.”
Test cricket not being shared evenly among provinces is nothing new. Dunedin hasn’t hosted a test since 2017. Napier’s wait dates back to 2012.
Neither of those cities, though, have the population nor the sporting pedigree of Auckland.
“It’s something that hurts,” Auckland Cricket chair Brendon Gibson said of the lack of test cricket. “We would all love to have something back here, particularly those major nations.
“It engages with our community easier. Corporately, it helps us – having internationals creates an environment where sponsors and people want to be involved.
“But we’re one of six Major Associations competing for those opportunities. We certainly want to be back in that mix.”
In part, Auckland’s lack of tests comes down to the viability of Eden Park as a venue. While the stadium boasts an approximate capacity of 42,000 for cricket, crowds of that size haven’t been seen since New Zealand co-hosted the 2015 World Cup.
Simply put, it does not make financial sense to host test cricket at Eden Park, given the costs associated with the venue.
And while Eden Park chief executive Nick Sautner makes no bones of the fact “we see ourselves as a test facility”, he also concedes “there is work to be done and investment needed” for the stadium at all levels, not just for cricket.
Enter Colin Maiden Park. While the refitting isn’t specifically to turn the venue into an international ground, the facilities have been described by Gibson as “world-class”.
Christchurch and Tauranga in particular have shown value in the smaller, boutique cricket grounds hosting test matches, and have the fixture list to prove it.
That’s not to say international cricket in Auckland would be a one-or-the-other situation either. Wellington proves one city can have two international grounds, with white-ball matches played at Hnry Stadium, and tests at the Basin Reserve.
Both Gibson and Sautner are open to a similar situation, where Eden Park hosts major matches, and Colin Maiden Park does the same for lesser ones.
The Black Caps’ innings victory over England in March 2018 was the last time Auckland hosted a test. Photo / Photosport
Ultimately, any decision over the test calendar resides with New Zealand Cricket, who are open to the prospect of seeing test matches return to Auckland.
“The development of Colin Maiden Park will provide strong options for top-level cricket in the country’s biggest city,” acting New Zealand Cricket chief executive Graham Parks said.
“At the moment, the focus will be on developing the arena for domestic and community use and providing a strong home base for Auckland Cricket. However, we note that Auckland Cricket are developing the ground to international playing standards – so all options are possible.”
“Eden Park will remain an option for international cricket in Auckland. However, having an alternative venue in Auckland is expected to significantly improve the region’s chance of hosting big games.”
New Zealand Cricket’s summer schedule, including test series against India and Sri Lanka, will be announced later this year. Whether Auckland features, though, remains to be seen.
Alex Powell is a sports journalist for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016.