ING Cup match moved due to pitch
The fixture, originally scheduled for Northern Tasmania Cricket Association (NTCA) Ground in Launceston, has been moved to Bellerive Oval in Hobart.
ACB Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said the relocation was necessary due to the Launceston ground not meeting minimum ACB and Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) standards.
"A report from an Australian Cricket Board and Australian Cricketers' Association inspection of the NTCA Ground earlier this month detailed that the wicket table in Launceston was not acceptable and did not comply with minimum requirements for ING Cup cricket or first-class cricket," Mr Sutherland said.
"The ACB has a duty of care to ensure Australian players are provided with the best and safest conditions in which to perform and unfortunately, the Launceston ground could not provide these conditions."
The ACB/ACA report detailed unsuitable ridges and bumps on the playing strips and a highly-raised wicket table.
Tasmanian Cricket Association (TCA) Chief Executive Officer David Johnston said it was disappointing for Launceston cricket that the match had to be moved.
"It is obvious that first-class players' expectations of cricket ground facilities and playing surfaces have risen over the last few years and unfortunately the NTCA Ground pitch area is not up to a satisfactory standard," Mr Johnston said.
"The Tasmanian Cricket Association will work with the Northern Tasmania Cricket Association to ensure the pitch area is returned to a suitable standard for interstate cricket in the ensuing seasons."
Northern Tasmanian Cricket Association President Phil McGee said the NTCA accepted the decision to move the game.
"We are obviously disappointed, particularly for the people of Launceston for the fact that they won't be able to see ING Cup cricket this year," Mr McGee said.
"We will work to ensure that cricket returns to our venue in the near future."
