KEY POINTS:
They have been the focal point of some of New Zealand cricket's more memorable moments but Christchurch and Auckland have seen their test status stripped due to an apathetic, unreliable fan base.
Jade Stadium and Eden Park have both missed out on hosting a test during next summer's
tours by Bangladesh and England as New Zealand Cricket rewards smaller venues in a bid to mask the dwindling appeal of test cricket.
While one-day internationals and the relatively recent phenomenon of Twenty20 remain popular, attendances at five-day matches have been in decline for several seasons - and cannot be camouflaged at cavernous rugby stadiums.
Only a smattering of spectators witnessed New Zealand's five-wicket win over Sri Lanka last December, with numbers ironically thinning as the Black Caps closed in on victory.
Dunedin's University Oval - a replacement test venue for the dilapidated Carisbrook for the first time - Napier's McLean Park and Seddon Park in Hamilton were the big winners when the schedule was announced on Tuesday.
Wellington's Basin Reserve, New Zealand's leading dedicated cricket venue, also understandably retained its status by hosting tests for both inbound visitors.
The English tour, comprising five one-day matches and three tests, clashes with the Super 14 though rugby was not a pivotal factor in the main centres being overlooked according to Canterbury Cricket Association chief executive Richard Reid.
"New Zealand Cricket want to play tests matches at cricket grounds, it's as simple as that.
"If it's a 35,000-seat stadium and 5000 people turn out it's not going to look good on TV," said Reid, who added Christchurch's ability to host tests matches in the future could be limited.
The CCA is planning to build a cricket-specific venue in the city though it is still some way off.
While Reid was disappointed, he said the news was also ominous for Auckland after Eden Park missed a plumb test for the first time.
"We've missed out before but Auckland never have - this is the first time they've been treated differently."
Christchurch and Auckland will host one-day and Twenty20 matches, scant consolation considering their grounds have featured so prominently in New Zealand's test history.
New Zealand won their first ever test at Eden Park against the West Indies in 1956 while Australia were beaten for the first time by their transtasman neighbours at the then Lancaster Park in 1974.
NZC chief executive Justin Vaughan said Christchurch and Auckland were not off limits permanently but the organisation had a preference for tests "to be at the right sorts of venues where there is some atmosphere, not just an empty cauldron".
"Obviously the ideal scenario would be to have crowds of 20,000 to 25,000 packing out the places but that just doesn't happen at test level nowadays."
However, McLean Park fits snugly into test cricket's current appeal with a capacity of about 11,000, about right - considering a large contingent of the 'Barmy Army' are likely to infiltrate Hawkes Bay for the third and final test match against England in March.
"Presentation was part of it," said Central Districts Cricket Association chief executive Blair Furlong. "If you've got 5000-10,000 people in a small ground it looks chocker. We're delighted to offer a facility of the right size."
- NZPA
