Rain washes out play in NZ-England Test
Rain driven by high winds washed out the first day's play in the second Test between New Zealand and England on Thursday without a ball being bowled.
Umpires Darrell Hair and Steve Dunne decided to call off play after the morning session was washed out. England lead 1-0 in the three-match series.
The forecast for Friday's second day is also bad with the only consolation for either team being the extra time available for New Zealand left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori and England batsman Mark Butcher to confirm their fitness.
Vettori, New Zealand's leading bowler in the absence of the injured Chris Cairns, is suffering from pain in his lower back while Butcher fractured his right thumb in the first Test.
The captains did not toss and no teams were announced.
Mail Cricket Editor
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