The first recorded game of cricket to be played in the Basin was between Wellington Volunteers and officers and crew of HMS Falcon on 11 January 1868, which was only possible after an earthquake levelled the ground in 1855.

The opening first-class match on the ground was in 1873 between Wellington and Auckland, but the first Test match - against England came 47 years later.

With such a history it is understandable that it is regarded as the home of New Zealand cricket. And it was fitting that the Black Caps' favourite son, Sir Richard Hadlee, recorded his 300th wicket and that the world record third-wicket stand of 467 between Martin Crowe (299) and Andrew Jones (186) was posted at the venue.

The stadium was built in 1924 and was renovated in 1980, with the RA Vance Stand dominating the northern end.