Black Caps home schedule released

New Zealand Cricket today announced the schedule for an exciting summer of National Bank Series international cricket.

Bangladesh arrive in New Zealand in December to play in two First-Class matches, three ODIs and two Test matches.

England arrive in late January for a comprehensive tour, which will feature two Twenty20 matches, five ODIs and three Test matches.

“We have a full summer of cricket with 35 days of international cricket scheduled throughout New Zealand, bringing the BLACKCAPS and international cricket to as much of the country as possible,” NZC CEO Justin Vaughan said.

“Bangladesh showed at the ICC Cricket World Cup that they are a steadily improving side who can be dangerous if underestimated.

“With matches at key locations during the holiday period we expect the Bangladesh tour to be well supported with One-Day matches in Auckland, Napier and Queenstown.

“New Zealand crowds always enjoy turning out to watch a visiting English side. This is a comprehensive tour by England and we are expecting a large number of English fans to travel to New Zealand for the series.

“England will compete strongly in all three forms of the game and the series will build on our traditional rivalry with them ahead of the BLACKCAPS tour there in May next year.”

The schedule will see the return of Test cricket to Dunedin during the Bangladesh tour. The University Oval will also play host to a First-Class match against England.

“Otago Cricket and the Dunedin City Council are working very hard to prepare the University Oval Venue to international standards and we are looking forward to seeing the University Oval host its first Test match.”

“Christchurch will have its first international men’s Twenty20 match. Twenty20 cricket has been well supported by crowds in Auckland and Wellington and we are expecting this fast and exciting format to draw a big crowd at Jade Stadium.”

Bangladesh

Dec 19-21: v Northern Knights at Seddon Park, Hamilton

Dec 23: v Northern Knights at Seddon Park, Hamilton.

Dec 26: 1st ODI at Eden Park, Auckland.

Dec 28: 2nd ODI at McLean Park, Napier

Dec 31: 3rd ODI at Queenstown Events Centre, Queenstown

Jan 4-8: 1st Test Match at University Oval, Dunedin.

Jan 12-16: 2nd Test Match at Basin Reserve, Wellington.

England

Feb 2: v Canterbury Wizards at QE II Park, Christchurch

Feb 3 v Canterbury Wizards at QE II Park, Christchurch

Feb 5: Twenty20 at Jade Stadium, Christchurch.

Feb 7: Twenty20 at Eden Park, Auckland.

Feb 9: 1st ODI at Westpac Stadium, Wellington.

Feb 12: 2nd ODI at Seddon Park, Hamilton

Feb 15: 3rd ODI at Eden Park, Auckland

Feb 20: 4th ODI at McLean Park, Napier.

Feb 23: 5th ODI at Jade Stadium, Christchurch.

Feb 25-26: v Otago Volts at University Oval, Dunedin

Feb 28-March 1: v Otago Volts at University Oval, Dunedin

March 5-9: 1st Test Match at Seddon Park, Hamilton

March 13-17: 2nd Test Match at Basin Reserve, Wellington.

March 22-26: 3rd Test Match at McLean Park, Napier.

New Zealand Cricket Media Release