New Zealand v West Indies
Match abandoned due to rain

The rain returned to ruin yet another game in the NatWest Series © Getty Images Enlarge

The rain has returned to put an end to what would have been, in effect, the first Twenty20 international. Following a major mopping-up operation at Hampshire's Rose Bowl ground, the game between West Indies and New Zealand had been reduced to a bare-minimum 20-overs-a-side affair. But, no sooner had Brian Lara won the toss and decided to field, the heavens opened and the match had to be called off.

It was rather a surprise that any match at all had been in prospect. After several failed inspections, umpire Daryl Harper finally announced at 3pm that there was time for a 20-overs game, but that 4.32pm was the latest possible start time. As if on cue, heavy rain drenched the outfield at 4.30pm, and that was effectively that.

In a surprise selection, New Zealand had called Andre Adams into the squad for this game. Adams had been playing club cricket in the Lancashire leagues, and was called in as bowling cover ahead of the Lord's final, after an injury had sidelined Daryl Tuffey. But the rain gods have forced the postponement of his comeback.