Internet Desk: Rain played a spoilsport on Day 1 of the second and final cricket test between New Zealand and Pakistan in Hamilton. Just 21 overs were able to be bowled in the first session at Seddon Park on Friday, with the players unable to return after a rain-induced early lunch break, which New Zealand went to at 77-2 after being sent in tough conditions.
Despite drizzle putting the toss back 15 minutes, the match still started on time, with the grey skies even brightening for a period, before the forecast steady rain did arrive. By mid afternoon the rain had stopped and the ground staffs were working to remove water from the covers, with the umpires inspecting the ground, however just after 4pm the day was abandoned.
Nevertheless, it was an entertaining first period of play.
Asked to bat first on a green pitch and under dark skies, the Black Caps lost opener Tom Latham for a first-ball duck, then recovered well, only for captain Kane Williamson to be controversially sent on his way, before Ross Taylor (29no) showed no sign of his eye troubles in blazing quickfire runs with Jeet Raval (35no), with the pair putting on 38 in just 6.1 overs.
The New Zealand skipper initially survived a caught-behind appeal off Sohail Khan, but Pakistan asked for a DRS review and after multiple views and listens, third umpire umpire Ian Gould ruled that Williamson’s bat had made contact with leather.
TV replays showed the ball struck Williamson on the underside of his right elbow, but didn’t appear conclusive enough to also say that there was an edge of the bat. The original not out decision was overturned and a clearly perplexed Williamson had to make his way back to the pavilion.
It was clearly a huge blow for the home side, on a wicket offering plenty, with extra pace and bounce than what was seen in the first test at Christchurch.
The visitors handed a test debut to Mohammad Rizwan, listed to bat at No 7, as they are without inspirational skipper Misbah-ul-Haq, who returned home following the death of his father-in-law. Azhar Ali, Pakistan’s ODI skipper, is taking charge.
The Black Caps opted for Matt Henry to replace pace spearhead Trent Boult (knee), while spin bowling allrounder Mitchell Santner is back in for Todd Astle, having recovered from a fractured wrist.
New Zealand are looking to wrap up what would be their first test series win against Pakistan since 1985, while the visitors are fighting to keep intact a streak of undefeated test series which currently stands at seven.