Kane Williamson broke New Zealand's Test run record at Wellington's Basin Reserve, surpassing Ross Taylor and cementing his legacy amid leadership changes and a new casual contract.
Basin Reserve
When you think of cricket in New Zealand, one name keeps popping up: Basin Reserve, a historic cricket ground in Wellington that has hosted international matches since 1913. Also known as Wellington Cricket Ground, it’s not just a field—it’s a stage where Test matches, ODIs, and T20Is have been decided under cloudy skies and unpredictable winds. This isn’t a flashy modern stadium. It’s got character. The stands are close to the pitch. The crowd is loud. And the pitch? It’s known for helping spinners as the game goes on, making it a favorite for teams looking to outthink their opponents.
Basin Reserve isn’t just about the game. It’s tied to the identity of New Zealand cricket. Many of the country’s biggest moments happened here—like when Richard Hadlee took his 400th Test wicket, or when a young Daniel Vettori bowled his heart out against Australia. It’s also where international teams come to test their mettle. Teams like India, Pakistan, and England have all played tense, nail-biting matches here. The ground doesn’t have the capacity of Melbourne or Lord’s, but it makes up for it with atmosphere. You feel every boundary, every wicket, every over. And if you’ve ever watched a match here on TV, you’ve seen the famous view: the hills behind the pavilion, the harbor in the distance, and the occasional seagull stealing the spotlight.
It’s not just about cricket either. Basin Reserve has hosted rugby matches, concerts, and even political rallies. But its soul is in the game. If you’re looking for a ground that feels real—not manufactured, not over-commercialized—this is it. The posts below dive into matches played here, the teams that struggled or thrived on its surface, and how its conditions shaped outcomes. You’ll find stories about New Zealand’s rise in world cricket, how the pitch changed over time, and why some players love it while others dread it. Whether you’re a fan of Test cricket or just curious about the places where legends are made, this collection has something for you.
