Rain interrupts Ind v NZ Test2 (25 Oct 95)

MADRAS, India (Oct 27, 1995 - 10:18 EDT) - The third day`s play in the second test between India and New Zealand was abandoned without a ball being bowled on Friday because of wet ground conditions.

The umpires decided there could be no play for the second consecutive day as the pitch remained drenched despite sunshine following heavy overnight monsoon rain.

The test looks to be heading for an inevitable draw, with only three hours of play in which India made 54 for one in their first innings on Wednesday`s opening day.

India won the first test in the three-match series by eight wickets in Bangalore.

Writing in the southern Indian city`s leading newspaper, The Hindu, sporstwriter R.Mohan described the match as the biggest washout in the history of test cricket in Madras.

"Holding a test match in Madras at this time of the year is not exactly the definition of wisdom," Mohan wrote.

Rains arrive along India`s southeastern coast in October and November, brought by winds that retreat from the northeast after the monsoon washes over the rest of the country between June and September.

The third test is scheduled to start on November 8 at Cuttack in the eastern state of Orissa.