Local cricket fans look set to be starved of international matches for another season, following a decision by New Zealand Cricket to replace a test match with two 20-20 matches.

New Zealand Cricket indicated the University Oval could be a possible test match venue when the ground was officially opened in late 2004.

But their decision to axe the scheduled third test against Sri Lanka in November will most likely mean Dunedin will be once again struck off the international calendar.

It follows the abandonment of a one-day match between New Zealand and Australia last year, after the Otago Rugby Union refused to shift a Super Twelve rugby game from Carisbrook.