New Zealand vs Australia: Second test to be held on schedule despite Christchurch earthquake

The second test between New Zealand and Australia is expected to be held on schedule, despite Christchurch being rocked by a 5.7 magnitude earthquake on 14 February. Hagley Oval, the venue of the second test, was untouched by the quake according to reports.

"The groundsman was there when the thing hit and reported no damage, to the pitch, outfield or bank", said New Zealand's head of cricket operations Lyndsay Crocker.

"The pavilion's only been up a couple of years, it's built well beyond the code, 130% I think. Built-in indicators would have been triggered to show if compromised, nevertheless engineers were still going over it on Monday and should give it the official all clear later in the day," he added, as quoted by the Guardian.

The second test – also skipper Brendon McCullum's final test – will commence on 20 February at the Hagley Oval. Meanwhile, Australian captain Steve Smith seemed to have complete faith in the people at work at the stadium. According to the Guardian, he said, "Hopefully all the people in Christchurch are okay. Cricket Australia are working closely, in conjunction with Cricket New Zealand, and as far as I am aware we are travelling tomorrow or the day after and everything will go ahead as planned."

Australia lead the two match series 1-0, thrashing the hosts by an innings and 52 runs in the first test played at Wellington.