2nd Chappell-Hadlee Washed Out

New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori won the toss and chose to bat after the start was delayed for rain.

Once things got underway, the Black Caps were soon in trouble as Brett Lee and Nathan Bracken reduced the visitors to three for 12 before Scott Styris (12 not out) and Ross Taylor (5 not out) saw New Zealand through to three for 30 after six overs when the umpires called for the covers.

Lou Vincent, sadly out of form on this tour, could manage only a second ball duck before he edged to Ponting from Lee in the first over.

In the next over Jamie How tried to cut one from Bracken which was too close, and succeeded only in providing catching practice to Hayden at slip.

Further calamity awaited the Kiwis in the third over when McCullum was deceived by a wider, slower ball from Lee which he could only spoon to Brad Hogg at mid off for another simple catch.

Styris and Taylor then set about the resuce mision, which was cut short by the persistent rain.

Australia now leads the three match series one-nil with one match still to play. Today’s result means New Zealand only has to win the last match and level the series, in order to retain the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy.

Summary
New Zealand 30 for 3 (Six overs)
Styris 12*, Lee 2/12

Match abandoned due to La Nina.

Australia leads the three match series 1-0 with one match to play.