Rain ensures draw in Dunedin

The first Test between New Zealand and West Indies ended in a predictable draw after the final day was abandoned because of rain in Dunedin.

Weather hampered the match from day one when bad light forced the players from the field early and they did not return again until midway through day three after heavy rain the previous day.

Only one full day’s play has been possible at University Oval, the highlight of which was Jerome Taylor’s maiden Test century yesterday which helped West Indies to 340 all out in reply to New Zealand’s first inning total of 365.

The hosts were set to resume on 44 for two in their second innings, a lead of 69 runs, with Tim McIntosh on 24 and Daniel Flynn on four.

Ross Taylor, Kyle Mills, Daniel Vettori and James Franklin pass time on a wet day five at Dunedin

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But the weather had the final say today with play called off without a ball being bowled.

The teams now head to McLean Park in Napier for the final Test which is due to start on Friday.

New Zealand however, have a couple of injury worries with Jacob Oram still hampered by a calf strain and Ross Taylor struggling with a damaged finger he sustained when dropping Brendan Nash at first slip yesterday.

All-rounder Oram, who withdrew from side on the morning of the first day, has not improved enough to be considered for bowling duties so if he passes fitness tests in the coming days will play as a batsman only.

It continues a wretched run of injuries for the 30-year-old who was forced home early from the tour of Bangladesh with a back problem which kept him out of the Australia series.

He then suffered a fractured finger while making his comeback with Central Districts.