New Zealand vs West Indies, 9th Match at Southampton, Jul 08 2004 - Ball by Ball Commentary

Match State: Match start scheduled for 10.45am local time (9.45am GMT)

Good Morning, its the NatWest Series last league match today with West Indies and New Zealand at The Main Oval, Hampshire Rose Bowl, Southampton

Today match has turned into a mini-final, and a chance for both teams to win an important psychological victory before the Lord's final on Saturday

Both the teams will look to go to the final on a winning note

There is overnight rain in Southampton, which means that although the ground is well covered, it is going to take a considerable time to make it fit for play

There will be an inspection at 11:30 local time (10:30 GMT)

Match State: Delay - inspection at 11:30 local time (10:30 GMT)

Match State: Delay - Rain

Latest update: 12.30 pm (local time) 11:30 gmt inspection was cancelled

all the covers are now on and it is raining

Update: 02:00 local time (13:00 GMT) - Its now stopped raining

Match State: Delay - Damp Conditions

the rain has stopped, but the heavy covers remain

Some of the covers have been taken off, and the groundstaff are using various pieces of equipment to try and dry out the outfield

Latest update: Inspection at 3:00pm local time (2:00pm gmt)

Welcome back

Umpire Harper says if there is no further rain, play can start at 1630 BST (1530 GMT).

That will give us a 20-over a side match

With the rain still coming down the umpires have decided to an end to the days play

Please join us for the final on July 10 at 09:45GMT from Lord's between New Zealand and West Indies