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Napier buzzing ahead of Blackcaps-India cricket match

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Wed, 23 Jan 2019, 11:52AM

Napier buzzing ahead of Blackcaps-India cricket match

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Wed, 23 Jan 2019, 11:52AM

A scorcher is forecast in Napier as it welcomes India's cricket team for the first match in their tour of the country.

Napier hasn't hosted an international since February 2017 due to poor drainage which caused embarrassing scenes when an ODI against Australia was called off after hours of sunshine failed to dry the outfield.

McLean Park, boasting a $4.9 million upgrade, is hosting this afternoon's event.

Napier City Council chief executive Wayne Jack told Mike Hosking a high of 31 degrees is forecast.

He says town is packed, there is no accommodation left and there is a great vibe in the air.

"The feel good factor of having the Blackcaps in town has been fantastic. It is going to be a glorious day here in Napier. It means a lot to the region and there is a huge amount of economic benefit to the town as well."

McLean Park, boasting some of the most picturesque views in the country, is known as a high scoring ground, with small boundaries and a hard pitch. Jack says the redevelopment hasn't changed the ground's famous characteristics. 

"The council got behind the project of redeveloping McLean Park. One of the things we have done with the type of turf installed at the stadium it is now a multi purpose facility."

The town will also be welcoming back local hero Ross Taylor, who made his ODI debut at McLean Park against the West Indies in 2006, scoring 15 in a 91-run victory. 

LISTEN ABOVE AS WAYNE JACK SPEAKS TO MIKE HOSKING

 

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