Kiwis find ally in weather

Kiwis find ally in weather
Agence France Presse

Auckland, March 14: Play was abandoned without a ball being bowled on the fourth day of the first cricket Test between Australia and New Zealand on Tuesday.

Heavy rain began falling as the umpires walked out at 1 pm (0530 IST) to make an inspection of the surface, which had been saturated by overnight rain. While the pitch was not affected, the outfield was drenched and ground staff were hoping for drying conditions to ensure play could start on time on Wednesday's final day.

A helicopter was called in to try and keep alive a history-making bid by Australia's cricketers. Play was expected to start after lunch before the weather again turned, bucketing down rain as the umpires walked out to inspect the ground.

Minutes after play was abandoned, the ground was drenched in sunlight but Australia will need extra help to press on to their record-equalling eighth consecutive Test win.

A helicopter was used late on Tuesday to dry a section of outfield which remained in the shadow of the new northern stand but it would be useless if more predicted showers arrive on Wednesday.

If the weather improves, New Zealand will resume their second innings at 151 for five, needing another 130 runs for a remarkable win. Leg-spinner Shane Warne is bidding to set an Australian record of 356 Test wickets after he equalled Dennis Lillee's 16-year-old record of 355 on Monday.