WC venue guide: McLean Park, Napier

2015 World Cup

Cricket365
February 11, 2015

Established: 1952
Capacity: 16,000
Floodlights: Yes
Ends: Centennial Stand End, Embankment End
Home Team: Central Districts
ODI History: 41 ODIs; 22 home wins; 13 away wins; 6 other

Overview

One of New Zealand's 'proper' cricket grounds, McLean Park is an attractive venue with four covered stands and a grass bank for spectators opposite the Centennial Stand.

The ground has been primarily used for one-dayers, but in the last three seasons it has been included in more Test schedules. This World Cup will see it host three pool matches, including one featuring the hosts.

There's enough pace in the deck to encourage all batsmen to play their shots. Coupled with a fast outfield, it makes for high-scoring cricket but can end in stalemate in Tests.

The venue has also been used for Rugby World Cup fixtures, as well as Super Rugby.

Top ODI total: 373 for eight by New Zealand vs Zimbabwe in 2012

Favours batting/bowling: Batting. 18 individual centuries and only five five-wicket hauls in 41 internationals games.

Best ODI batsman: Nathan Astle 743 runs in 15 innings. Has five fifties and two hundreds with an average of 53.07 and went at a strike-rate of 80.15

Best ODI bowler: Daniel Vettori 25 wickets in 23 matches. Best bowling figures in an innings was three for 21. Has an average of 32.20 to date and an economy rate of 4.11.

Fixtures:

Wed Mar 4: Pool B – Pakistan v United Arab Emirates
Sun Mar 8: Pool A – New Zealand v Afghanistan
Sun Mar 15: Pool B – United Arab Emirates v West Indies

Most exciting match-up: Sun Mar 8: Pool A – New Zealand v Afghanistan