Some Friday music video viewing for you. Two of the best things in life -- Cricket and Music -- combined into one fine music video from Wellington's increasingly hirsute Phoenix Foundation...

International cricket starts again at the Basin tomorrow and goes for, I dunno, like, five days.

Well, the Dropkicks will be there on Sunday and will be giving away Epic beer for those who can come up with a clever banner.

Also this could be the last time an international test is played at the Basin. Yes, they have said that before, but this time they could be right!

The “Finance Company Implosion” has seen several name changes for our beloved Basin Reserve over the past few months. It is now known officially as the Allied Nationwide Finance Basin Reserve and the ground improvements continue at good pace. Between the end of the the rugby season and Labour Weekend the wicket block and practice areas were re-laid and improved drainage technology installed. The R. A. Vance Stand is having a new viewing platform built at the back for the media and, I'm guessing, to also improve television camera angles from the Northern (Or J. R. Reid Gate) end of the ground.

Meanwhile, a new edifice is being erected beside the venerable old (actually crap) scoreboard at the Southern End. Any ideas what this will be? It looks like a new replacement or additional scoreboard or a big screen (or some combination).

I walk through the Basin every day and it is looking a picture – the relocation last year of the war memorial to the top of the bank was a splendid move. This summer we have a visit from Bangladesh (recommendation: don't buy a five-day-pass) for a Test Match from January 12 and England (hence all the media improvements) from March 13.

Well the weather packed in and so it seems that the State Championship will end in a draw. Which means that Wellington wins.

No, I don't understand it either. Though I will say this, more runs were scored in this game than people attended it.

There is no Super 14 rugby for Wellington (and lower North Island) fans this weekend so you'll have to pick another team to support. I suggest the Chiefs.

As Tom mentioned the 2Hot2Handle auto-show will be on the stadium. Ironically this will mean a paucity of carparks and horrible traffic snarls around the stadium. I just hope someone brings a "pimped out" Prius. It seems like a good idea.

Tonight the St Laurence Wellington Saints basketball team is taking on two-time champs, the Auckland Stars at the Queens Wharf Events Centre. It promises to be a good game.

Finally, if you'd like to spend your weekend watching Wellington micro-celebrities play badminton then head to the Wellington Badminton Festival (yes, "festival") at the Wellington Badminton Association's hall in Hataitai (it's the one with a big [shuttle] cock on the roof). It's a five day show that starts on Saturday (08/04/06) and finishes on Wednesday. The festival only comes around every three years so don't miss out on Mark Blumsky playing Kerry Prendergast.