Wollongong's last-ditch bid for NSW's Sheffield Shield clash against Tasmania has fallen short.
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The game was originally scheduled to be played in Wagga Wagga but was forced to be relocated when it was deemed the pitch was not up to first-class standard.
While Wollongong was initially set to miss out on a Shield match after hosting one in each of the past two seasons, Wagga’s withdrawal rocketed the Illawarra back into contention for a fixture.
Cricket NSW’s preference was to play the match at the SCG, however the availability of the ground remained uncertain until late last week.
A Cricket NSW spokesman confirmed North Dalton Park was the sole candidate for hosting rights if the association’s negotiations with the SCG Trust fell through.
The negotiations with the Trust were protracted given the SCG’s heavy workload throughout the summer. The venue will host seven Big Bash games, alongside three international fixtures and four A-League matches.
Sydney FC’s A-League derby against Western Sydney will be played at the venue on Saturday, just seven days prior to the scheduled start of the Shield fixture.
Cricket NSW was able to come to an agreement with the Trust, with the start of the Shield game pushed back by two days, ensuring the pitch will be ready for the clash.
Two matches late in the season are yet to be finalised, however Cricket NSW’s preference is for the games to be played in Sydney.
The news comes as Shellharbour’s Nathan McAndrew signs with the Sydney Thunder for another season. The bowler has been involved with the side since 2015.
“With the fourteen games this year it’s very exciting for me as a bowler,” McAndrew said. “After not getting any game time over the last couple of years the increase in games will create more opportunities for me.”