3rd Test: New Zealand v England at Auckland, 30 Mar-3 Apr 2002 CricInfo Live Report

3rd Test: New Zealand v England at Auckland, 30 Mar-3 Apr 2002
Lynn McConnell

New Zealand 1st innings: Pre-play Day 2, Rain report, Abandonment,
Live Reports from previous days

SECOND DAY WASHED OUT IN AUCKLAND
A heavy rain shower just after 2pm this afternoon put paid to the prospect of any play on day two of the third and final National Bank Series Test at Eden Park in Auckland today.

It had been hoped that if no more rain fell after the lunch break that another look would be taken at the ground at tea time.

But the rain set in, and with the prospect of poor weather over the next two days there has to be little prospect of New Zealand now having enough time to win this match, especially after their first day position of 151/5 was hardly an encouraging start.

Play will start tomorrow at 10am.

ANY MORE RAIN IN AUCKLAND WILL SEE DAY ABANDONED
After making their 1pm inspection of conditions at Eden Park where the third and final National Bank Series Test is being played, umpires Srinivas Venkataraghavan and Doug Cowie said they would look again at 3.10pm.

However, if there was anymore rain before then, the day's play would be abandoned.

The ground is still very damp after heavy overnight rain and there is no drying whatsoever.

Ground staff have had the covers off once and there was no sign of any damage to the pitch but consistent drizzly showers have allowed them no chance to make significant impact on the state of the outfield.

Both teams have been to the ground. The England side walked out into the middle for a brief inspection and some members of the New Zealand side also appeared but they soon disappeared inside to shelter.

A minute's silence will be observed before the resumption of play by both sides in memory of the Queen Mother who died yesterday. Black armbands will be worn by the two sides as a mark of respect.

PLAY ON EASTER SUNDAY WILL BE A MINOR MIRACLE
Any play on the scheduled second day of the third National Bank Test between New Zealand and England at Eden Park will be a minor miracle.

Heavy overnight rain, which has continued with light showers in Auckland this morning has left the outer extremities of the ground awash.

Before the Test started groundsman Warwick Sisson said he feared heavy rain and the effect it would have on the area in front of a new stand built on the northern side of the ground.

His worst worries have been realised, and compounded by wet patches in front of the southern stand.

There is no noticeable wind to aid the drying process.

New Zealand coach Denis Aberhart visited the ground early this morning but contacted his team at their hotel and advised them to forget coming out to the ground. He had been told there was no prospect of any play before noon while the umpires have said they will make an inspection of the ground at 1pm.

All of which seems to point to an early abandonment to the day's play. There would be no surprise at England wanting to avoid returning to the field of play before the complete ground was safe.

They are 1-0 up in the series and due to return home to start their home season and will not be wanting to risk injuries on a dicey outfield.

New Zealand is in a dubious position having had only 54 overs and being 151/5, hardly the best position to push for quick runs whenever a resumption is made.