Another washout in NZ-Bangladesh Test

No play was possible on the second day of the first Test between New Zealand and Bangladesh.

The rain which also washed out Tuesday's play returned 15 minutes before the scheduled 1130 (local time) start on Wednesday after Bangladesh captain Khaled Masud had won the toss and elected to field first.

The rain in the morning went from light to heavy before stopping just before lunch. But it proved to be only a brief respite.

The umpires, South Africa's David Orchard and New Zealand's Tony Hill, standing in his first Test, inspected the ground at 1445 and decided the outfield was too wet.

A second break in the rain prompted the umpires to wait until 1700 for a further inspection of the outfield. But 20 minutes after that announcement the heavens opened again and at 1540 play was called off for the day.

Bangladesh had made one change to the side who lost heavily to Auckland in the only match not wrecked by rain on their short New Zealand tour.

Left-arm spinner Enamul Hoque made way for Masrafe bin-Mortaza who is back after a groin injury.

Middle-order batsman Sanwar Hossein will make his debut for Bangladesh.

New Zealand batsman Craig McMillan, who was involved in a car accident outside the ground on Tuesday, was passed fit after X-rays on his injured finger revealed no fracture.

McMillan was about to climb out of a taxi when it was hit by another vehicle and he injured his finger.

Mail Cricket Editor