England vs New Zealand: Persistent showers abandon first day's play

New Zealand would be extremely disappointed as heavy rain washed out the first day’s play at Leeds. The weather office had predicted that the showers were expected to stop after 2.00 p.m (Local). But the showers continued and did not stop. New Zealand, who were thwarted by an excellent bowling performance in the first Test, are desperate for a win at Headingley.

The wicket had been under cover and constant showers hindered ground staff’s work.

“We’ll be left with a lot of cloud, the winds will veer round to a north-easterly direction which should help to break the cloud up we’ll see some sunny spells come through. There will be showers, which although quite heavy, will pass quickly in the gusty winds.”

“Saturday and Sunday should be dry days with a fair degree of sunshine and it should feel a good deal warmer, so once we’ve got rid of this morning’s rain we should be OK for the Test match,” said the groundstaff.

The rain stopped for a while and umpires inspected the ground at 1.20 p.m (Local). However, the showers returned soon after the inspection and finally the play was called-off at 4.00 pm (Local).

Vettori has been ruled out of second Test and hence New Zealand will go with three seamers. Doug Bracewell is expected to return for the Black Caps. Also, Martin Guptill will replace Watling for second Test at Headingley.

Geoff Miller has named an unchanged squad for the second Test following their massive 170-run victory at Lords. Tim Bresnan is expected to miss second Test at his home ground as Steve Finn has done a tremendous job for England. The rest of the team remains the same.