Crowd numbers cause change of venue

The CricInfo World Cup one day international between the CLEAR White Ferns and India this Saturday has been transferred to the BIL Oval at Lincoln to ensure the comfort of the large number of spectators who are expected to attend the critical encounter.

The match venue was originally the smaller ground at Lincoln University - Lincoln Green.

Accordingly the game between Sri Lanka and South Africa to be played this Friday, 8 December on BIL Oval, has now been transferred to Lincoln Green.

Tournament Director, Tim Murdoch, said the four teams involved saw the sense in the switch of grounds.

"The team management and players were sympathetic to the need for spectators to have the extra space and comfort afforded by the newer facilities and larger ground. The Lincoln Green is enclosed by tall trees and there is minimal space for spectators, whereas the BIL Oval has mounds on several boundaries and some temporary stands."

"With India's victory over England yesterday the match on Saturday between that side and the CLEAR White Ferns is shaping up as the contest which will decide the semi-final placings".

"We anticipate a large crowd for the match, bolstered by the four finalists in the Yoplait Cup secondary schoolgirls' tournament and up to 100 Canterbury girl cricketers who will attend a coaching clinic during the innings break".

"All of the teams attending this CricInfo World Cup want to ensure the women's game receives a positive profile and encourage supporters to attend their matches," Murdoch said.