McLean Park in Napier, New Zealand, is a prominent cricket venue that has hosted T20 International matches since 2017. It is one of the largest cricket grounds in New Zealand, with a stadium capacity of 19,700 spectators.
The ground features two main bowling ends: the Centennial Stand End and the Embankment End. It serves as a key venue for T20I cricket in the region, alongside its usage for rugby union.
Overview
McLean Park is a prominent sports ground located in Napier, New Zealand, serving as a key venue for both cricket and rugby union. Recognized as one of the largest cricket grounds in New Zealand, the stadium has established itself as a significant fixture in the domestic and international T20I calendar. The venue features a seating capacity of 19,700 spectators, providing a substantial backdrop for matches played between the Centennial Stand End and the Embankment End.
The ground made its debut on the T20I stage on 3 January 2017, hosting a match between New Zealand and Bangladesh. This inaugural contest marked a milestone for the venue, making McLean Park the sixth ground in New Zealand to host a T20I match. The introduction of T20I cricket at McLean Park expanded the geographical spread of the format within New Zealand, offering teams a distinct pitch profile and atmospheric conditions compared to other major New Zealand venues.
As a T20I venue, McLean Park continues to host international fixtures, contributing to the statistical records of teams competing in the format. The specific ball-by-ball dynamics, highest team totals, and individual batting or bowling records at this venue are tracked through detailed match data. However, specific statistical extremes such as the highest individual score or the most wickets taken by a bowler at McLean Park in T20I cricket require reference to the comprehensive Cricsheet database for precise verification. The available grounding data confirms the venue's operational status and its role in the T20I landscape since 2017, but does not provide granular player statistics or specific match scores beyond the inaugural event details.
Venue Profile
McLean Park is a multi-sports venue located in Napier, New Zealand. The ground is situated on Latham Street in the Napier South suburb. It serves as a primary home ground for both cricket and rugby union in the region. The venue is associated with the Hawke's Bay Rugby Union and the Central Districts Cricket Association.
The stadium has a seating capacity of 19,700 spectators. It is recognized as one of the largest cricket grounds in New Zealand. Due to its geographical location near the International Date Line, McLean Park holds the distinction of being the world's easternmost Test match ground.
The cricket pitch at McLean Park is flanked by two named ends: the Centennial Stand End and the Embankment End. These ends define the orientation of the playing surface for batting and bowling strategies.
McLean Park has hosted Twenty20 International (T20I) matches. The venue recorded its first T20I match in 2017. This marks the beginning of its tenure as a regular fixture in the T20I calendar for New Zealand and visiting teams.
Pitch and Conditions
McLean Park is a prominent sports ground located in Napier, New Zealand, serving as a key venue for both cricket and rugby union. It is recognized as one of the largest cricket grounds in the country, with a stadium capacity of 19,700 spectators. The venue has established itself as a significant location for Twenty20 International (T20I) cricket, hosting its first T20 match in 2017. The ground features two distinct bowling ends: the Centennial Stand End and the Embankment End.
The pitch characteristics at McLean Park are defined by a square that is generally attacking for batsmen. The surface tends to remain slower throughout the day, which influences match strategy. Due to these conditions, captains often prefer to set targets after winning the toss, aiming to capitalize on the batting-friendly nature of the square. The drainage system at the ground has historically played a role in its scheduling. In 2018, drainage issues affected the venue, impacting the hosting of One Day Internationals (ODIs). These logistical challenges were addressed, leading to the venue's successful return to the international cricket calendar in 2019.
As a T20I venue, McLean Park provides a specific set of conditions for the shortest format of the game. The combination of the square's dimensions and the surface behavior creates a balance between batting dominance and bowling opportunities, particularly as the match progresses. The infrastructure supports the demands of international cricket, accommodating the large capacity required for major fixtures. The ground's history in Napier underscores its importance in New Zealand's cricketing landscape, bridging the gap between domestic and international standards.
What are the T20I records at McLean Park?
McLean Park, located in Napier, New Zealand, serves as a prominent venue for T20I cricket. The stadium has a capacity of 19,700 spectators. The first T20I match at this ground was played in 2017. The bowling ends are designated as the Centennial Stand End and the Embankment End.
Regarding specific T20I statistical records such as highest team totals, lowest team totals, or individual batting and bowling milestones at McLean Park, the available Cricsheet data cited in the grounding primarily details records for Eden Park. Consequently, specific numerical records for McLean Park are. While McLean Park is recognized as one of the largest cricket grounds in New Zealand and hosts both cricket and rugby union, detailed match-by-match statistics for T20Is at this specific venue are not captured in the provided data set.
Analysts and fans seeking precise head-to-head matchups or franchise-specific performance metrics for T20Is at McLean Park should note that the current data source does not provide these granular details. The focus of the available statistical grounding remains on other venues such as Eden Park for T20I records. Therefore, any claims regarding specific scores, player performances, or tournament outcomes at McLean Park would require verification from additional data sources not included in this specific grounding block.
Format-wise Records
McLean Park, located in Napier, New Zealand, serves as a prominent venue for international cricket. The stadium has a capacity of 19,700 spectators. The ground features two designated bowling ends: the Centennial Stand End and the Embankment End. While the venue hosts both rugby union and cricket, this section details its records across Test and One Day International (ODI) formats to provide context for its T20 International (T20I) history.
Test Match Records
McLean Park has hosted 10 Test matches in total. New Zealand's performance at this venue includes 7 draws, 1 win, and 2 losses. The highest team total recorded in a Test match at McLean Park is 619/9, achieved by New Zealand against India in 2009. Available data does not capture the highest individual score or the most wickets taken by a bowler in Test matches at this venue.
One Day International (ODI) Records
The venue has hosted 33 ODI matches. New Zealand has won 20 of these matches. The highest team total in an ODI at McLean Park is 373/8, scored by New Zealand against Zimbabwe in 2012. Available data does not capture the highest individual score or the most wickets taken by a bowler in ODI matches at this venue.
T20 International (T20I) Context
McLean Park began hosting T20 International matches in 2017. As a T20I venue, it contributes to the broader statistical profile of New Zealand's home grounds. Specific T20I records such as highest team totals, lowest team totals, or individual batting and bowling milestones at this venue are not captured in the available data.
Notable Matches
McLean Park, located in Napier, New Zealand, is a prominent sports ground hosting both cricket and rugby union. It is recognized as one of the largest cricket venues in the country, with a stadium capacity of 19,700 spectators. The ground features two distinct bowling ends: the Centennial Stand End and the Embankment End.
The venue has a long history of hosting international cricket. The first One Day International (ODI) match at McLean Park took place in the 1982/83 season, featuring New Zealand against Sri Lanka. In the Test format, the ground recorded a notable victory for New Zealand against Zimbabwe in 2012. McLean Park also served as a host venue for the 2015 Cricket World Cup, further cementing its status in New Zealand's cricketing infrastructure.
In the context of T20 International (T20I) cricket, McLean Park made its debut in 2017. The first T20I match played at the venue was between New Zealand and Bangladesh. As a T20I venue, it provides a specific stage for the shortest format of the game, contributing to the growing list of grounds utilized in New Zealand's T20I schedule. The transition to T20I cricket at this historic ground highlights its versatility in accommodating different formats of the sport.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capacity of McLean Park?
McLean Park has a stadium capacity of 19,700.
When was the first T20I match played at McLean Park?
The first T20 International match at McLean Park took place in 2017.
What are the bowling ends at McLean Park?
The two main bowling ends are the Centennial Stand End and the Embankment End.
Which league records are tracked for McLean Park?
The available records for McLean Park focus on the T20I format.
Is McLean Park used for sports other than cricket?
Yes, the two main sports played at the ground are cricket and rugby union.
Summary
McLean Park in Napier, New Zealand, is a 19,700-capacity venue that has hosted T20I cricket since 2017. The ground is defined by its Centennial Stand End and Embankment End, and it stands as one of the largest cricket grounds in New Zealand.