Conditions made it a bad day says Vettori

WELLINGTON, March 24 (Reuters) - The stop-start nature of a weather-affected third test and howling winds that were gusting more than 80kph had rated as one of Daniel Vettori's worst in test cricket, the former New Zealand captain said on Saturday.

Constant drizzle, chilly conditions and the blustery northerly made the second day of the third test against South Africa at the Basin Reserve one of attrition for New Zealand's bowlers.they managed just 37 overs on Saturday after rain delayed the start of play for more than four hours, before bad light drove them from the field with 12 overs still due to be bowled in the day's play.

“From 460 odd days of test cricket, somewhere near the bottom,” the 111-test veteran said with a laugh when asked how the day's play had rated in his memory. “Into the wind it's pretty tough for the seamers and even for the spinners. You get blown around in your run up and in your delivery stride and it can be a little difficult.

“It was a tough day for a bowling side.”

Alviro Petersen (96 not out) and JP Duminy (76 not out) had accumulated a further 110 runs without any loss of wickets after play finally got going at 1425 local (0325 GMT), almost four and a half hours after the scheduled start time to guide the visitors to a commanding 246 for two at the close of play.

The pair offered New Zealand bowlers little opportunity for the breakthrough on a good paced wicket that was gave little assistance, though Petersen was dropped by a diving Martin Guptill when he was on 68.