Hello and welcome to today's live blog of the third day of the first test between the Blackcaps and England at Eden Park.
The question on everyone's mind today is how much cricket will we get in before the rain comes? Well, in the last five minutes or so the sky has gone from being clear and blue to dark and grey.
Could we see a declaration from the Blackcaps today David? Depending on how many balls we see today...
I'm not sure Chris, seems silly to me that they haven't started earlier than 30min. I'm sure there is a reason behind it, a question for Alderson and Leggat or any other gurus out there. I wonder if it's because it's a day-night game, but I can't imagine that being the case.
That's just the rules they have and if you want a detailed analysis of the ICC's playing rules, the whys and wherefores, you've come to the wrong place. Actually they should have closed it off an hour earlier than they did last night. No one did anything, ground staff stretched out on the rolled up pitch covers while they waited for the umps to check again at 9pm. That took 25 seconds before the red card was issued. Beats me why cricket is so touchy about restarts.
Hope David's answer helped you out there Chris. It's good to hear that they're in, terrible shame about the limited teams going though. I agree.
We're about 25min away from the first delivery of the day, weather permitting. Henry Nicholls and BJ Watling will restart the Blackcaps' first innings, on 49* and 17* respectively.
I think you're right, Chris. Over at Mt Smart I believe.
Injury concerns for England. Reports are that Craig Overton has limped out of a warm-up session this morning: he's having ankle problems apparently, via Cricbuzz
Showers haven't arrived. A strong nor'easter has is keeping the showers away according to Mark Richardson.
No one beats true cricket devotees for sitting watching the rain. And yes the tests in February, followed by the ODIs would have been infinitely better. Problem is England were insistent on having things this way round, given they were coming off a long and convoluted tour of Australia, plus New Zealand weren't actually rock solid against the way things have unfolded. A blend of elements. But the players are coming out now, so we'll start on time and see how far we get.
Moeen Ali gets us underway. No run from the first two deliveries, Watling plays the third down to fine leg. One run.
Nicholls blocks out the remainder. The Barmy Army has sung Jerusalem. We're underway.
Only one run from the first over. Stuart Broad to bowl the second over today.
Watling has let the first two go.
Forced to block the third. Still no run this over.
Fourth ball is left. Comes back in a fraction off the bounce, few gasps from behind the wicket. Nothing in it though, safe as houses. Let's the next one go too.
Maiden over for Broad. New Zealand 230/4. Starting to look very dark over Eden Park.
James Anderson into the attack now, replaces Ali.
Righto here's the situation. If the first ball was to be bowled now we'd be under way. But it's not, so we won't.There are chunks of blue above and towards the city.