WELLINGTON: The first Test between New Zealand and South Africa ended in a draw yesterday after heavy rain washed out the fifth and final day’s play in Dunedin, leaving both sides frustrated at losing the chance to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
The match had been delicately poised entering the final day with South Africa 224 for six in the second innings, a lead of 191 runs, with captain Faf du Plessis on 56 and Vernon Philander on one at University Oval.
Heavy rain that began early yesterday, however, ensured a delayed start and after the scheduled lunch break was taken at 1pm (0000 GMT), umpires Kumar Dharmasena and Bruce Oxenford decided there was no chance of any play.
“I think the game was shaping up quite nicely for all three results,” New Zealand captain Kane Williamson said. “The game was certainly in the balance and it’s just a shame not to get any play today.
“But it’s nice going into the second match with both teams having played some good cricket.”
New Zealand will enter the second match at Wellington’s Basin Reserve without batting stalwart Ross Taylor, who tore his calf muscle during the first innings, while left arm pace bowler Trent Boult is under an injury cloud.
“It’s a real shame to lose Ross, our premier batter, but therein lies an opportunity for someone else,” Williamson added. “(Trent) does have a little niggle but we don’t know how serious it is yet. He will travel with us to Wellington and hopefully he will recover. He is a big player for us.”