Wellington Firebirds give up home advantage due to 'unfamiliarity' with Cake Tin MARK GEENTYHAGEN HOPKINS/GETTY IMAGES Andrew Fletcher, Hamish Bennett and the Wellington Firebirds have had a bit to celebrate at the Basin Reserve but they can't play their Ford Trophy elimination final there. The lack of a viable backup first-class cricket venue in Wellington means the Firebirds will take their hard-earned home playoff advantage elsewhere for the second time in three seasons. "The players want to give themselves the best chance to win and they feel that their lack of experience playing at Westpac Stadium would be detrimental and therefore chose to play away from home." Edgar said in a statement: "The last time we played at Westpac Stadium was a pink ball four-day match last season. The Basin Reserve Trust confirmed the annual Beers at the Basin event had been booked before New Zealand Cricket's domestic cricket schedule was confirmed in August.

Source: Stuff November 25, 2018 02:12 UTC