New Zealand's cricketers welcomed the abandonment of the first day of the second Test against India, after it looked likely that they would have to play on a treacherous damp, soft pitch.

Coach Denis Aberhart admitted he was unhappy with the Westpac Park pitch after two days of heavy rain had forced the covers to be on for 46 hours.

Despite fine weather for much of yesterday, a half-hour torrential downpour at 2.30pm ended what slight chance of play remained.

Umpires Daryl Harper and Asoka de Silva said play would not have started before 4pm anyway.

More rain meant the chances of play today are also dubious, considering the ground's inability to dry quickly.

Two days, though, were more than enough to get a result in the last couple of Tests at the ground, both games resulting in New Zealand innings victories, over Bangladesh and Pakistan.

A similar rapid-fire match looks in prospect, with the pitch lacking some much-needed sun after Hamilton experienced a month's rainfall in three days.

"I was disappointed at how soft the pitch was this morning," Aberhart said.

"Who knows what it's going to do? It does look pretty fresh, but both teams have to bat on it and if we bat first I think we've got the players with the technique and the patience needed."

Despite the continued rain heightening the chance of a draw and a New Zealand series win, the home side remained committed to getting out on the field.

Aberhart said there was no thought of the players being reluctant to get the game underway.

"We want to get out there, play this Test match and win it, not to draw it, not to save it.

"If you don't go out there to win a game you find you're defending under pressure. We want to be attacking and positive.

"It wasn't ready to play today, the outfield was still very wet and the pitch was damp and soft. I think we would have struggled."

An extra hour can be added for each of the next four days, with play starting at 10.30am and extending until as late as 7 pm if there is more rain.

It raised the prospect of the Test being played under lights for the first time in Hamilton, reviving memories of New Zealand's slog-fest at Eden Park in April, when Nathan Astle and Craig McMillan hammered the England bowlers in near darkness to set up a win on the final day.

The toss has not yet been made and both teams have yet to be confirmed.