Rain plays havoc with Black Caps’ series hopes
The Black Caps need to overcome a challenge they haven’t faced at home since 2001 if they are to clinch a test series victory over Bangladesh.
For the second straight day, no play was possible at the Basin Reserve in Wellington yesterday, with rain lessening New Zealand’s chances of taking a 2-0 lead in their best-ofthree series.
Unlike on the opening day, when heavy rain fell, yesterday was simply pesky drizzle which hung around the entire day. A brief clearing allowed for the players to warm up, but just as a start looked likely, the rain returned, and the umpires abandoned the day’s play at 4.30pm.
It’s the first time in nearly 18 years that the first two days of a test in New Zealand have been abandoned but, uncannily enough, the last time this situation occurred, the Black Caps managed to topple, yes, Bangladesh.
That test was at Seddon Park, and after grimly watching and waiting for two days, the Black Caps hit 365-9 in 77 overs, before rolling Bangladesh for 205 and 108 to claim a surprise win with two sessions to spare.
Black Caps batting coach Craig McMillan scored a century in that clash and knows his side can produce something similar.
“That pitch did a bit because it had been under cover for two days, but it showed that runs can still be scored with the right attitude and a good, solid game plan. Certainly for our guys, not a lot changes about how they will go about things if we end up perhaps on the wrong side of the toss and have to bat first.”
The winning captain at the toss will have the easiest decision of his life after the pitch was briefly uncovered after lunch yesterday, revealing one of the greenest decks ever seen at the Basin.
That probably augurs the most hope for a result, as early wickets would likely be on offer, but today’s forecast looks just as frustrating, with the swirling drizzle — barely noticeable but enough to enforce cricket’s conventions — set to be a presence throughout the day.
McMillan hopes that won’t be the case and believes the green wicket could speed up proceedings.
“The pitch is as green as I’ve seen here for a number of years. Conditions will be challenging for the
Conditions will be challenging for the batsmen which could fast-track things — I think all three results are still possible.
Black Caps batting coach Craig McMillan
batsmen, which could fast-track things — I think all three results are still possible.
“Hopefully the weather forecast isn’t right, we get good weather [today] and have three good days,” said McMillan.
Only two tests have been abandoned in New Zealand — in 1998 and 1989, both in Dunedin — and while the forecast improves on days four and five, scattered showers are still predicted, and by then, any realistic hope of a result will be gone.
It would be a shame for the fast bowlers not to get a crack — with Matt Henry “considered very strongly” for selection — but, green wicket or not, it looks as if time is running out to seal a second straight test victory.