It was a most disappointing start to their Indian tour for the New Zealanders. Rain washed out the first day's play in their game against India A at Pune on Thursday. On the second day there was time for 44 overs to be bowled during which the visitors struggled to make 135 for six. Whatever hopes the tourists might have entertained of having some further match practice were dashed by the inclement weather as rain ruled out play on the final day on Saturday.

One recalls how the scheduled opening three day game of the West Indies tour in 1987-88 at Hyderabad was a total washout, with not a ball being bowled. But on that occasion, the West Indies had already played much cricket in the sub continent over the preceding month since they had taken part in the Reliance Cup. So much so that they were still able to win the first Test by five wickets. This lack of match practice does not augur well for the New Zealanders. All they can hope for now is for better weather at Jodhpur where they take on Board President's XI in a three day game commencing on October 5. They have to make the most of it for it remains their only match before the first Test starts on October 10.