UPGRADE DELAYED

IT remains to be seen whether Central Otago will experience domestic cricket next summer after it was announced yesterday the planned upgrade of Molyneux Park’s cricket block will not occur until next year.

A joint statement by the Central Otago District Council and New Zealand Cricket said the overhaul of the Alexandra ground’s wicket block was scheduled for ‘‘early 2020’’.

In a report presented at this week’s council meeting it said plans to dig out the 45yearold block were to begin’’ as soon as practicable following the Highlanders match at the start of last month.

Concerns were raised at Wednesday’s meeting as to how feasible the timing of the work would be with the rugby season fast approaching.

Council parks and recreation manager Gordon Bailey said the timing of the upgrade would ‘‘allow more time to carefully assess the requirements for the upgrade, which is likely to involve a full cricket block rebuild plus the proposed addition of an additional cricket strip’’.

The performance of the pitch has come in for some heat from players and umpires during domestic cricket action in December.

The wicket was described as a ‘‘joke’’ by both captains fol lowing the Otago v Northern Districts twenty20 clash on December 30.

New Zealand Cricket is working with the council on the upgrade programme, which will build on other recent investments, including the $150,000 upgrade to the stadium’s changing facilities to improve and futureproof the venue.

New Zealand Crocket head of turf management Ian McKendry said Molyneux Park had a long and successful history of hosting firstclass cricket.

‘‘We look forward to working [with the council] to develop a cricket block that’s conducive to good, entertaining cricket.’’