We shall return: NSW CEO

JOEL RITCHIE

DESPITE Sunday’s Ford Ranger Cup wash out, one-day domestic cricket could return to the Illawarra as soon as next season.

So said Cricket NSW CEO Dave Gilbert after the NSW Blues-South Australia match scheduled for North Dalton Park on Sunday was abandoned without a ball bowled.

Mr Gilbert gave a ringing endorsement of the work done by the ICA and Wollongong City Council in getting the ground ready for Sunday’s landmark match.

“It’s frustrating – I feel sorry for the local association and council who have worked unbelievable hours,” Mr Gilbert said.

“We’ll be back here again sooner rather than later.

“Not getting on here today makes me pretty focussed on getting back here in the foreseeable future.

“We would need a stand-alone fixture that is not attached to a (four-day) Pura Cup match.”

Cricket NSW will also have to absorb a $100,000 loss after underwriting the costs of Fox Sports to televise the match across Australia.

The Dalton Park surface was unplayable after heavy rain leading up to the match.

Despite round-the-clock work from Wollongong City Council ground staff, a section of the eastern boundary was deemed unplayable. The pitch and square were in immaculate condition when the umpires abandoned play three hours after the scheduled 11.15am start.

“When today dawned there was every chance but that far (eastern) side just got worse; there’s a drainage issue.”

NSW Blues captain Simon Katich said criticism would be intense if play went ahead and a Test player such as former Wests junior Phil Jaques was injured.

More than 1000 spectators poured through the gates, while nearly 100 ICA volunteers were on hand to ensure the day ran smoothly. Tickets purchased through Ticketek can be refunded from the place of purchase within seven days.