Black Caps suffer further rain frustration

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New Zealand’s Black Caps suffered yet another frustrating day courtesy of Auckland’s autumn weather.

Just 17 balls were bowled on day three of the first Test against England at Eden Park.

New Zealand progressed from 229/4 to 233/4 with Henry Nicholls moving past fifty as they extended their lead to 175.

The Kiwis now find their chances of making the most of England’s spectacular day one collapse for 58 slipping away.

Black Caps

The day began with the pitch under covers, but play started on time despite the dark clouds hovering overhead.

And though Moeen Ali completed the unfinished 92nd over from the second evening, the drizzle started by the time Stuart Broad picked up the ball for the second over of the morning.

The rain would not let up either and the umpires were forced to pull the players off the field, they would not return.

There was drama off the final ball of the day with Chris Woakes missing with his throw to run Nicholls out.

Nicholls ended the day on 52, while BJ Watling was on 18.

New Zealand are now likely to opt to declare almost as soon as play can get underway on day four and hope for the best in terms of weather on Sunday and Monday.

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