Dull end to series

For the third day in a row, play was abandoned without a ball bowled in the third test between New Zealand and the West Indies at Napier.

The rain ensured that New Zealand’s hopes of winning their sixth test in a row and getting a complete tour whitewash of the West Indies, as they did in 1999-2000, were damaged as badly as the now swamp-like McLean Park outfield.

The West Indies meanwhile got some important batting time, with Brian Lara seemingly find some semblance of form and Runako Morton continuing to impress. Lara’s 83 was a reasonable way to farewell New Zealand, as he will almost certainly have retired by the time the team next tour here.

New Zealand won the series 2-0 on the back of wins in Auckland and Napier.

Match Summary

West Indies 256-4
Brian Lara 83, Runako Morton 70 no
Nathan Astle 1-23, Chris Martin 1-39

Match Drawn

Cricket Web Player of the Match

Brian Lara – 83