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Canterbury and Central Districts step into, and onto, the cricketing unknown at Jade Stadium today for the inaugural Shell Trophy first-class match on a portable pitch.

Although a portable pitch was successfully experimented on for a national districts match last season and early season cricket Max matches this summer, this is a new wicket.

All eyes will be on it and some will probably not like all they see.

While the 20m playing strip seems satisfactory, heavy rolling of the pitch has forced some soil out and over the tray at each end of the wicket. Groundsman Chris Lewis has had to level that and replace it with instant turf near the bowlers run-ups.

While it will not hinder the bowlers in their delivery stride, it may be off-putting in the run up to the wicket as the newly laid turf is still soft.

The pitch has been laid to a greater depth than the previous one after New Zealand Cricket felt a bigger base was required. Possible moisture in the soil, as it was being compacted through rolling, could have contributed to the overflow. It has also led to some cracking at the end of the pitch, but it is not in the playing area.

The wicket, which has been prepared for several months, sat about 40mm higher when laid last week but has been rolled down to near level with the surrounding area.

``It is better that way than it being too low,'' said Victory Park Board general manager Campbell Prentice.

He said with the new pitch installation there was always bound to be some trial and error involved.

``Over all the wicket itself should be fine and it's the same for both teams.''

The young grass had been kept on the wicket for as long as possible until a final shave yesterday afternoon.

The game will be viewed by International Cricket Council match referee Graham Dowling and former referee Frank Cameron, who will file reports on its suitability for one-day internationals and test matches.

The captains' and umpires' match reports will also be forwarded to the ICC.

As for the game itself, Canterbury must refocus after its Shell Cup success at the weekend and quickly adapt to the longer game. Central Districts has had time to freshen after being eliminated from the cup by Canterbury two weeks ago. It will seek to recapture the form it displayed in December when it beat the touring Indians in a first-class match.

Teams

Canterbury: Gary Stead (captain), Craig Cumming, Brad Doody, Llorne Howell, Gareth Hopkins, Hamish Barton, Scott Pawson, Mark Priest, Warren Wisneski, Shane Bond, Chris Martin, Stephen Cunis.

Central Districts: Craig Spearman (captain), Glenn Milnes, Mathew Sinclair, Glen Sulzburger, Mark Douglas, Jacob Oram, Martyn Sigley, Campbell Furlong, Andrew Penn, David Blake, Michael Mason, Tim Anderson.