FREE admission first-class cricket as the star-studded Central Stags host the Wellington Firebirds for the first four-day red-ball match of the 2026/27 season. The Plunket Shield story began way back in 1907 and is one of the most beautiful and storied trophies in New Zealand sport. It's the training ground for Test cricket and a competition in which many current, former and future BLACKCAPS are on show for their first-class domestic teams. The toss is at 10am on Day One and the match is livestreamed at www.cdcricket.co.nz as well as being free access at the ground every day. Check the livescores on the website and remember that matches can sometimes finish on the third day's play. Follow along on socials with #lovethestags #plunketshield