New Zealand's one-day international against South Africa has been moved from Napier after an investigation into the recently abandoned Chappell-Hadlee series match against Australia had identified urgently needed repair work.
In response to the on McLean Park outfield drainage fiasco, which resulted in the second Black Caps-Australia game being abandoned without a ball being bowled, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Tuesday shifted the fourth ODI against the Proteas from Napier to Hamilton.
The match, scheduled for March 1, will be played at Seddon Park.
The inquiry into the abandoned Australia game showed remedial work on McLean Park's turf, drainage and irrigation system was required urgently.
On February 2, the outfield did not drain properly following morning rain. The match did not start despite hours of sunshine.
The ODI against South Africa posed what had been described as "an unacceptable risk" of a repeat drainage failure.
NZC and Napier City Council said it was in the best interests of McLean Park's cricketing future to transfer the fixture.
NZC chief operating officer Anthony Crummy said the findings of the investigation left few other options.
"There have been shortcomings identified in McLean Park's drainage and irrigation system which need to be remedied before we can be confident of avoiding what happened in the Chappell-Hadlee fixture," he said.
Drought conditions in the Hawke's Bay meant significant levels of watering leading up to the match which, combined with limited drainage and rain on match day, resulted in a worst-case scenario.
"Several measures could be employed to help mitigate this risk ahead of the South Africa match but, even then, any period of significant or extended rain in the lead-up would likely result in the same outcome."
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