28 February,2009 12:53 PM IST | | PTI
India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni might have taken the bottle-throwing incident in yesterday's second Twenty20 international as an exception, but New Zealand Cricket is in no mood to take any chances and is set to boost the ground security for the remainder of India's tour.
Play was halted briefly towards the end of the New Zealand innings after a plastic bottle was thrown from the crowd on to the ground that fell close to an Indian fielder. The Indian team management and match referee Ranjan Madugalle expressed concern over the untoward incident.
NZC Chief Executive Justin Vaughan said steps were already under way to provide increased security for the upcoming five-match ODI series, which begins at McLean Park, Napier, on March 3.
"This type of incident is unfortunate, especially in such an exciting and close game as we saw last night," said Vaughan, adding, "Fortunately it does not occur often."
"New Zealand Cricket is fully committed to providing a high-level of security, and I have given my assurance to the Indian team that increased security will be in place for the upcoming series," he added.
The enhanced measures will include an increase in the numbers of security staff, higher security visibility in potential problem areas, and closer monitoring of the crowd. The security staff would also be instructed to take extra precautions to protect boundary fielders, and to take prompt action against offenders.
