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'It's always a special place' – Black Caps' hometown heroes relishing Napier return

January 21, 2019

Ross Taylor and Doug Bracewell are eager to take the field against India at McLean Park.

Black Caps and Central Stags duo Ross Taylor and Doug Bracewell are eagerly anticipating a return to McLean Park, with Napier not having tasted any international cricket for nearly two years.

As the Black Caps' series with India begins in Napier on Wednesday, McLean Park will return as an international venue, following a farcical washout at the venue in February 2017, where the ground was unable to dry despite hours without any rain.

Speaking to media, both Taylor and Bracwell said that they're looking forward to McLean Park being utilised as an international venue once more, being an important venue for the pair.

"It always holds a special place for me," Taylor began.

"I made my debut here, got my first ODI hundred. It's nice to be here in front of family and friends. It's been a while since we've been here, so we're looking forward to Wednesday."

Bracewell echoed Taylor's sentiments, looking to establish himself as a regular fixture in the Black Caps' ODI squad, recalled for the recently completed series with Sri Lanka after time on the sidelines.

"It'll be pretty special. It's always pretty special running out for your country," he said.

"It'll be exciting being in front of the home crowd, a place where I play a little bit of cricket. 

"Fingers crossed I get a go."

The Black Caps first ODI with India in Napier begins on Wednesday.

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