AS IT HAPPENED

February 2, 2017:

Drainage issues mean the second ChappellHadlee ODI match between the Black Caps and rival Australia is abandoned without a ball being bowled. Napier City Council announces an independent review of McLean Park. It is the third cricket match to be abandoned since December 2013 due to weather issues.

February 2017:

The ODI between the Black Caps and South Africa is relocated to Hamilton and a $900,000 upgrade of Napier’s McLean Park is announced.

March 2017:

A park review — authored by specialist turf consultant Sports Surface Design and Management — finds the park’s ground is not fit for purpose and highlights a need for urgent remedial work on the venue’s turf, drainage and irrigation system.

April 2017:

The estimated cost of the McLean Park turf upgrade rises to more than $2 million. Council assures the ground will be ready by mid-January 2018, in time for scheduled international ODIs in February.

Mid-2017:

Napier withdraws from seeking to host games in the Under-19 Cricket World Cup in January and February 2018. The match between the Black Caps and England, scheduled for

February 28:

at McLean Park, is relocated to Mount Maunganui. November 2017: Council announces the upgrade won’t be done before early winter 2018, about five months after the project was originally scheduled to start.

March 2018:

Plunket Shield games are held at McLean Park. Council announces the upgrade will begin in April, with the venue hopefully to reopen in time for the spring rugby season.

Yesterday:

The last rugby game before McLean Park is upgraded goes ahead, despite criticisms about the turf’s condition.