Last week\u2019s landmark deal between Auckland and the Government has moved to cement Eden Park as New Zealand\u2019s national stadium. That, though, leaves serious questions over Auckland\u2019s role in hosting test cricket.<\/p>\n
The Black Caps\u2019 innings victory over England in March 2018 was the last time Auckland hosted a test. In the years since, Christchurch\u2019s Hagley Oval, Wellington\u2019s Basin Reserve, Hamilton\u2019s Seddon Park and Tauranga\u2019s Bay Oval have been New Zealand\u2019s premier test venues.<\/p>\n
That lack of test cricket in New Zealand\u2019s biggest city hasn\u2019t gone unnoticed either, with high hopes Colin Maiden Park could prove to be a genuine option, if all goes to plan. <\/p>\n
\u201cIn Auckland, to have a proper test venue is crucial,\u201d Auckland Aces wicketkeeper Cam Fletcher told the Herald. \u201cWe know people love coming to Eden Park and the odd test being there.<\/p>\n
The Black Caps have not played a test at Eden Park since 2018. Photo \/ Photosport<\/p>\n
\u201cTo 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Test cricket not being shared evenly among provinces is nothing new. Dunedin hasn\u2019t hosted a test since 2017. Napier\u2019s wait dates back to 2012.<\/p>\n
Neither of those cities, though, have the population nor the sporting pedigree of Auckland.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s something that hurts,\u201d Auckland Cricket chair Brendon Gibson said of the lack of test cricket. \u201cWe would all love to have something back here, particularly those major nations.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt engages with our community easier. Corporately, it helps us \u2013 having internationals creates an environment where sponsors and people want to be involved.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut we\u2019re one of six Major Associations competing for those opportunities. We certainly want to be back in that mix.\u201d<\/p>\n
In part, Auckland\u2019s 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\u2019t been seen since New Zealand co-hosted the 2015 World Cup.<\/p>\n
Simply put, it does not make financial sense to host test cricket at Eden Park, given the costs associated with the venue.<\/p>\n
And while Eden Park chief executive Nick Sautner makes no bones of the fact \u201cwe see ourselves as a test facility\u201d, he also concedes \u201cthere is work to be done and investment needed\u201d for the stadium at all levels, not just for cricket.<\/p>\n
Enter Colin Maiden Park. While the refitting isn\u2019t specifically to turn the venue into an international ground, the facilities have been described by Gibson as \u201cworld-class\u201d.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The Black Caps’ innings victory over England in March 2018 was the last time Auckland hosted a test. Photo \/ Photosport<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe development of Colin Maiden Park will provide strong options for top-level cricket in the country\u2019s biggest city,\u201d acting New Zealand Cricket chief executive Graham Parks said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt 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 \u2013 so all options are possible.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEden Park will remain an option for international cricket in Auckland. However, having an alternative venue in Auckland is expected to significantly improve the region\u2019s chance of hosting big games.\u201d<\/p>\n
New Zealand Cricket\u2019s summer schedule, including test series against India and Sri Lanka, will be announced later this year. Whether Auckland features, though, remains to be seen.<\/p>\n