New Zealand switch ODI venue due to drainage worries

New Zealand have been forced to change venue for one of March's ODIs against South Africa because of drainage problems.

The match on March 1, which will be the fourth of five in the series, will now be staged at Hamilton instead of the original venue in Napier.

Earlier this month, a 50-over match against Australia at McLean Park was abandoned because of a sodden outfield, and New Zealand's cricketing authorities are fearful of a repeat.

The fixture has now been switched to Hamilton's Seddon Park and NZC's chief operating officer Andrew Crummy said: "Any period of significant or extended rain in the lead-up would likely result in the same outcome.

"An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the recently abandoned ODI against Australia at McLean Park has highlighted a need for urgent remedial work on the venue's turf, drainage, and irrigation system."

McLean Park, which was dropped from the Test roster five years ago, has long been renowned for its poor drainage.

In 2013, an ODI against West Indies was called off in bright sunshine due to a water-logged outfield, which triggered a review and repairs to drainage ahead of the 2015 World Cup.

NZC added that the city council would now undertake a complete replacement of the playing surface, drainage and irrigation system.

Crummy added: "By doing this, we can look forward with confidence to McLean Park hosting next summer's ODIs between the Black Caps and England, and the Black Caps and Pakistan.

"This has been a difficult time for those involved with staging cricket at McLean Park and, not least, the cricket-loving public within Hawke's Bay."

The Proteas arrived in New Zealand this week to play a one-off Twenty20 international, followed by five ODIs and three Tests.