NZC hopes for Hagley sellout for T20 opener

It’s a tough sell in early November against opponents without their big names, but New Zealand Cricket expects Hagley Oval to be nearly full as the Black Caps make a poignant return to Christchurch.

An international season that snuck up quickly opens today with Eoin Morgan’s understrength England side playing the first of five Twenty20 internationals against New Zealand from 2pm.

It’s just over seven months since the last scheduled international at the ground – the third test against Bangladesh – was abandoned in tragic circumstances after the nearby mosque shootings on March 15.

NZC chief executive David White said a return to Hagley

Oval was a priority in a packed summer which sees tours by the Big Three – England, India and Australia.

‘‘It was a very difficult time. We’ve certainly reviewed our security and worked closely with the police,’’ White said.

‘‘Our team and the English team are very supportive of playing the match at Hagley. It’s one of our iconic grounds and important we get international cricket back there as soon as possible.’’

White said only 1500 tickets remained unsold for Christchurch as yesterday morning. Adult tickets were listed online at $60.

‘‘We were a little apprehensive about how ticket sales would go so early in the season. We’re delighted with the sales; they’re really strong.’’

Proceeds will go towards promoting participation and engagement with ethnic minority groups in Canterbury, White said.

Nelson’s Saxton Oval, host of game three on Tuesday, had the strongest sales of the five venues with fewer than 1000 tickets still available.

White hoped the forecast of a fine, warm day and another afternoon game would encourage a walk-up crowd in Wellington for game two at Westpac Stadium on Sunday.

Four of the five T20 internationals are 2pm starts, to encourage families to attend, and that will likely continue in future seasons.

‘‘There is a real strong interest at certain times of the year for day sport. Obviously the big games on a Friday or Saturday night, T20s in the main cities, is really attractive in the middle of summer when it’s warm,’’ White said.

‘‘During the early part of the season, playing on an afternoon certainly seems to be appealing to the fans.’’

An influx of England fans for the two-test series starting at Mt Maunganui on November 21 meant a significant crowd for Bay Oval’s first test match, White said, although it was unlikely to sell out.

Day one tickets in the noalcohol section were listed online for $50 yesterday.

Gate sales make up around 10 per cent of NZC’S annual revenue, and India’s visit in January will be a strong contributor as Auckland’s Eden Park hosts back to back T20 internationals on January 24 and 26 after resource consent was granted this week.

Meanwhile, Cricket Australia confirmed New Zealanders had purchased 14,000 tickets for the Boxing Day test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the Black Caps’ first since 1987.

‘‘Every second person I talk to seems to be going to Melbourne for Boxing Day,’’ White said.

‘‘It’s really exciting for New Zealanders and in a way it’s good for our self-esteem as NZ Cricket, to be playing the Boxing Day test is a strong recognition of the performance of the team over a number of years, that respect and interest from Australia.’’