New Zealand Cricket (NZC) yesterday confirmed Pakistan's home test series against the Black Caps will be played on New Zealand soil beginning in late November, while the limited-over games will take place in the United Arab Emirates in October.
The series was originally scheduled for Pakistan, but NZC canned the tour after a terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore earlier this year left seven people dead and seven cricketers injured.
The University Oval has hosted tests against Bangladesh and the West Indies in the past two years and Dykes believes it will be towards the top of list when NZC sits down to allocate the fixtures.
"I think our chances are pretty good . . . and I see no reason why the venue would not be viewed favourably."
The Basin Reserve in Wellington and Seddon Park in Hamilton are the country's two leading cricket grounds and are the frontrunners, he said. Next on the list are McLean Park in Napier and the University Oval.
The Oval is really the only option in the South Island, with NZC reluctant to schedule tests in large venues like AMI Stadium in Christchurch and the Queenstown Events Centre considered a one-day venue.
"That is a big advantage for us."
Last summer the West Indies test was ruined by poor weather and following the match, NZC chief executive Justin Vaughan was critical of the ground's drainage.
The University Oval also received some critical feedback in a survey organised by the Cricket Players Association. The players voted it as the worst major cricket ground in the country.
"We are well aware of the shortcomings of this ground and are gradually overcoming those."
Otago cricket has had discussions with the Dunedin City Council about the drainage issue and work is planned following the rugby season.
NZC expects to release a confirmed playing schedule for 2009-10 by the end of this month.
