Rain washes out first day in Pakistan-New Zealand Test

Play was abandoned without a ball being bowled following incessant rain in Christchurch on Thursday

Play was abandoned on the first day of the first Test between New Zealand and Pakistan without a ball being bowled following incessant rain in Christchurch on Thursday.

The heavy rain that fell through the morning eased to frequent showers in the afternoon, but the dry spells in between were not long enough to remove the covers fully.

Stumps: Play has been called off for the day due to rain #NZvPAK

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 17, 2016

The umpires made hourly inspections and each time ruled out the possibility of a start. However, the forecast shows fine weather for the remaining four days of the Test.

Play will start 30 minutes early on the second day, with the umpires hoping for a 98-over game on each day.



Pakistan are on a high coming into the Test after crushing the West Indies last month, while New Zealand are hoping for improvement after a disastrous tour of India.