Queensland fruit fly, a cause for concern in Whangarei stadium

Going to watch a cricket match in Indian stadiums can be an ordeal. By contrast, organisers go out of the way to be polite and helpful in New Zealand. Well, handling 10,000 fans can be a breeze compared to four times the number who routinely flock into Indian venues.

Going to watch a cricket match in Indian stadiums can be an ordeal. The stifling security means anything from water bottles to cigarettes to even coins can be confiscated. By contrast, organisers go out of the way to be polite and helpful in New Zealand. Well, handling 10,000 fans can be a breeze compared to four times the number who routinely flock into Indian venues.

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Tiny Whangarei was proud to organise the first match involving the big boys of global cricket, India. Having moved from a ground where pitch conditions were tricky because it was below sea level, they are keen to advertise the Cobham Oval, explained NZ board's COO, Craig Presland.

Local fans sat under giant umbrellas and even mini tents to protect themselves from the ultraviolet radiation, which is a big health issue in the southern hemisphere. Sun screen is a must, and in many venues they are provided in-stadia.

In Whangarei, there was a mini problem, literally. The Queensland fruit fly had somehow slipped into a country that stops people from even carrying dirty shoes. Worried the fly can damage the vast orchids and farms in this region, there were boards put up at every gate asking fans not to carry fruits away from the ground.

They have to be thrown into bins specifically provided. "They seem to have isolated the fly, but we can't drop our guard," an official explained.