2nd Test Day 1 Eng v NZ Abandoned

Persistent rain washed out the first day of the second Test between England and New Zealand at Headingley.

On a wet and windy day, rain delayed the scheduled start and although there were sunny intervals between the showers, they never lasted long enough for the outfield to be drained.

Play was abandoned for the day shortly before 16:00 BST.

With an improved forecast for the weekend, the match should now start at 11:00 BST on Saturday.

England lead the two-match series 1-0 after a 170-run victory in the opening Test at Lord's.

Alastair Cook's men are playing their final Test before the Ashes series against Australia, with several players looking to cement their places.

The positions of opener Nick Compton and batsman Jonny Bairstow are both under scrutiny, while pace bowler Steven Finn is under pressure from Yorkshire's Tim Bresnan.

New Zealand have been forced into a reshuffle by injuries to wicketkeeper BJ Watling and spinner Bruce Martin.

Veteran left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori failed a fitness Test on an Achilles injury, meaning the Black Caps will field a four-man seam attack, with Doug Bracewell replacing Martin.

Skipper Brendon McCullum will keep wicket and bat at number seven, one place below batsman Martin Guptill, who comes in for Watling.


10:42: Morning weather is horrible at the moment at Headingley toss delayed 80-90mins to clear pitch and surrounding areas we shall see if we get play today.

11:47: Early lunch 1230-1310 

12:30: Time for lunch

13.47: The groundstaff starting to clear up the field of play no announcement yet.

14.10: A chat with the umpires they say 2 hours to clear the field for play once rain stops.

15.17: Tea currently being taken (1510-1530)

15.41: @skycricket have informed me we need to be playing by 1800 local time.

15.41: Any time lost will be added onto the end of the day's play.

15.54: Play abandoned for the day!