Rain in Hamilton stymies New Zealand

New Zealand cricket fans have prayed for rain several times over the summer without effect, but when they most needed fine weather, it rained.

No play was possible on the second day of the final National Bank series Test match today at Hamilton's WestpacTrust Park.

What started out as light drizzle just before play started continued to get heavier until by 1.30pm the umpires, Steve Dunne (New Zealand) and Daryl Harper (Australia) decided there was no chance of play today and so called the day off.

Having just made their decision they were justified when a downpour lashed the ground forming large pools in the outfield that would have killed any chance later in the day.

The prospect for tomorrow is more showers, although if the weather clears sufficiently play will start half an hour early at 10am and if the light is up to standard it would continue beyond the normal finish time of 6pm.

However, such is the Pakistan bowling rate in this match, and in the series, there is little prospect of even 90 overs being completed by 5.30pm.

New Zealand starts the third day tomorrow 160/0, a lead of 56 runs in the first innings.