Established: 1920
Capacity: 6 000
Floodlights:No
Ends: Southern End, Northern End
Home Team: Otago
Test History: Two Tests (one home win, one draw)

Overview

Forming part of the Logan Park, a multi-sport complex, University Oval became New Zealand's seventh Test venue when it played host to the Black Caps' clash with Bangladesh back in January 2008.

Built on reclaimed land that formally constituted an inlet of the Otago Harbour, the ground is a mixture of expansive grass banks, a historical grandstand and a modern media complex.

While the facilities themselves are of a high standard the playing surface has often been called into question; a penchant for the production of near-unplayable tracks and poor drainage has often led to criticism of the groundstaff.

Last Time Out

With not a ball bowled on the second and fifth days of the first Test against the West Indies thanks to heavy rain, it's of little surprise that the game turned into a bit of a damp squib.

Batting first, having won the toss, New Zealand posted 365 in their first innings, propelled by scores of 89 from Jesse Ryder and 94 from Daniel Flynn.

In response the West Indies came close to canceling out their hosts total with a score of 340. Chris Gayle (74) and Shivnarine Chanderpaul (76) both notched up half-centuries, but the star of the show was undoubtedly number eight Jerome Taylor. The big fast bowler hammered 106 off 107 balls in a rollicking knock that frustrated the home side greatly.

Unfortunately only 10 overs were possible in the Kiwi's second knock, with foul weather the only winner in this clash.

Happy Hunting Ground

In his two Test outings at the University ground Daniel Vettori has picked up 11 wickets at an impressive average of just 12.18.

None of the current crop of Kiwi batsmen have played more than one Test at the ground, with Daniel Flynn averaging 99 and Jesse Ryder 89.

They Said...

"If you'd put a Test attack on that surface you'd probably have killed someone once the divots dried out," said Auckland coach Mark O'Donnell after his team played a first class game at the Oval in late 2007.

"Everything about the whole setup was fantastic, apart from the size of the boundaries. It was a little bit farcical. They were just too small. If you bowled to [Australians] Matthew Hayden or Adam Gilchrist it would be a tough day as a spinner. Aside from that, if they can sort it out I couldn't rate it higher. It can be one of the premier test venues," remarked Daniel Vettori after the first Test at the ground in early 2008.

"Yesterday, despite there being nary a spittle of rain since the previous evening, a ball was not delivered until 2.45pm. That borders on farcical. Until such time as the Otago Cricket Association or New Zealand Cricket invests in a decent drainage system and super-soppers, the University Oval should not host another test," journalist Dylan Cleaver writing in the New Zealand Herald following the December 2008 Test.

Weather

The forecast looks promising on either end of the Test, with days one and five expected to be basked in sunshine. Unfortunately there is a moderate chance of rain on the remaining days.

Conclusion

One can expect a lively track to be offered up, with something in it for everyone. The threat of rain may prove problematic, but with any luck an improved drainage system will nullify any bad weather.