Rain spoils New Zealand’s plans

Taylor injured, ruled out for the rest of the series against Zimbabwe.

NAPIER: Torrential rain dashed New Zealand’s hopes of building an imposing first-innings lead in the only Test against Zimbabwe, while captain Ross Taylor picked up a calf strain to add to the hosts’ woes.

New Zealand began the day at 331 for five and advanced to 392 without further loss. However, a downpour ended play mid-way through the first session before officials abandoned play.

In a further setback for the Black Caps, Ross Taylor was forced to retire hurt early in the day after taking his overnight score of 111 to 122 and was ruled out of the rest of the series against Zimbabwe. He took off for a quick single but pulled up clutching his right calf, unable to continue despite receiving on-field treatment. He has been sidelined for three to four weeks and is hoping to be fit for the home One-Day Internationals against South Africa in late February.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 28^th, 2012.