The Big Read Pitching in to find the best NZ ground

As another summer of cricket nears an end, we rate the best grounds in the country

iwis around the country have spent hours sitting on grass embankments ( or plastic seats), soaking up the sun ( or avoided getting soaked) and clapped on the Black Caps in encouragement ( or hanged their heads in disappointment).

New Zealand has a decent number of cricket grounds to call on when the Black Caps are playing host but are any of them actually decent?

A simple ratings formula was put to cricket reporters David Leggat, Andrew Alderson and Dylan Cleaver. They were asked to rate nine of New Zealand's cricket grounds, with Cobham Oval and Queenstown Events Centre not featuring due to international inactivity — neither have hosted a Black Caps' international in three years. Basin Reserve: The reason fans love this pitch is because it follows a familiar pattern. A couple of days from the test a line such as “you can't tell the pitch from the outfield” generally appears. Panic sets in and itineraries are checked in the vain hope you have flexible flights. The grass is shaved down but the pitch still has a verdant tinge on the opening morning. The toss- winning captain inevitably inserts the opposition. A few wickets fall, then the pitch flattens out so batsmen flourish on the second, third and fourth days, before spinners come into the reckoning during the final throes. You can't ask for more than that, provided the weather complies. — AA University of Otago Oval: New groundsman Mike Davies put in a solid performance on his test pitch debut last week, although the surface lacks consistent pace. There was carry at times, followed by BJ Watling picking balls up around his boots. You wonder whether Davies' inherited substandard soil. No one's demanding the Waca of yesteryear, but batsmen need to have confidence playing their shots, and pace bowlers need reassurance the ball will hoop through when they bend their backs. — AA Hagley Oval: Large, roomy and perfectly manicured. Strong choice for best swathe of green in the country. — DL McLean Park: The shape, short sides, long straights, doesn't help but its complete inability to survive even a light rain without sogging up makes this a simple choice. Long overdue rehabilitation work is in train. — DL Basin Reserve: