Cricket: Cobham Oval gets Super Smash

Tim Southee fires a ball down the Cobham Oval pitch during a previous Northern Knights visit to Whangarei. Photo / File

Whangarei's Cobham Oval is set to host New Zealand's premier Twenty20 tournament, the Georgie Pie Super Smash, with a match between the Northern Knights and the Canterbury Kings on November 15.

Hailing from Northland, current Black Cap and local hero Tim Southee said Whangarei had provided well for the Northern Knights on past occasions and he had little doubt about the region's ability to turn it on for the Super Smash fixture.

"I hope there's a good turnout and it's a good typical winterless Northland day."

Firing swingballs down the Cobham Oval pitch on several occasions, Southee holds the Cobham Oval pitch in high regard.

"It's just a great ground," he said, and had the ability to hold its own on the national circuit as well as attract more international games.

Playing in the historic first One Day International at Cobham Oval versus Zimbabwe in 2012, Southee hoped it could continue to garner attention as a world-class venue.

"I think in the Northern Districts area we're lucky to have such great grounds with the great facilities in Tauranga, Seddon Park and Cobham Oval in Whangarei.

"The Super Smash is just a good little tournament and gives a chance for some big international names to play and the smaller-name players to make their mark," he said.

Northland Cricket Association general manager, Warren Marr said: "There's been some big negotiations between New Zealand Cricket and Northern Districts to get this match here. No one around here can remember any T20 games up here.

"It's the first time we've held the Super Smash.

"Northland Cricket Association are really excited to host the event and get people along to enjoy it."

Committed to the Northern Knights across all formats of the game for the 2015/16 season, Maungakaramea seam bowler Cody Andrews could make an appearance in the November 15 T20 fixture.

Cobham Oval was approved as an international test venue in 2011, and the 5500-capacity ground is now one of several International Cricket Council accredited international venues in New Zealand.