Black Caps might just have three days to get a result

The Black Caps’ immediate hopes of sealing another test series victory have been rained on.

Holding a 1-0 lead over Bangladesh in their three-test series, the Black Caps will have a reduced scope in which to claim victory in the second test at the Basin Reserve, with rain having washed out the first day’s play in Wellington.

Puddles formed on the outfield after heavy rain yesterday morning, with the covers unmoved from the wicket. While the rain eased, it never completely stopped, with lingering brief showers hanging around.

After an incredibly short inspection at 3pm, the umpires called play off for the day — the second straight day of test cricket at the Basin Reserve which has been interrupted by rain, after the final day of the test against Sri Lanka in December was cut short.

Play is set to resume at 10.30am today, but with some showers also forecast, it could leave the Black Caps with the worst-case scenario of having only three days in which to claim a test victory — a not ideal situation on a wicket which has favoured the batsmen in recent time.

Although the wicket looked green on Thursday, and could prove beneficial to the bowlers after a lengthy period under covers, in the last seven tests played at the Basin, there have been 20 centuries scored — including five double tons and a triple century — while teams have scored 500 or more on seven occasions.

However, Black Caps coach Gary Stead thinks the bowlers could profit from the conditions.

“My view is [the pitch is] likely to be on the slow side early on, and as hopefully sun gets on it and maybe some wind, it might speed up and flatten out a wee bit. I imagine there will be plenty in it for the bowling team for certainly the first two days, maybe even longer.”

I imagine there will be plenty in it [the pitch] for the bowling team for certainly the first two days, maybe even longer.

Black Caps coach Gary Stead

Today’s weather will likely be the deciding factor in whether the test is headed for a draw. If the showers stay away, the Black Caps will be confident of wrapping up victory within four days, having done so in many of their recent test outings.

Stead says that the loss of a day won’t yet change his side’s plans.

“It doesn’t change anything at the moment. Anything can happen in cricket and we don’t want to be caught short in our thinking. Knowing some of the first-class games that have been played here in the past, you can get results pretty quickly still.”