An unsafe outfield forced the abandonment of the second one-day international between New Zealand and Australia without a ball being bowled.
Ground staff try to dry the wicket block, McLean Park, Napier. Photo: p
Morning rain cleared in time for the 2pm start, but the toss was delayed as groundsmen tried to dry the surface.
Thousands of spectators gathered at the stadium only to see the umpires performing regular inspections of the field and the players warming up.
The warm-ups caused water to seep to the surface, with Australia captain Aaron Finch unearthing a large divot with minimal effort.
The large crowd grew increasingly restless and broke into an ironic slow handclap with cries of "hurry up" when there was no official announcement on when play was likely to begin.
At 6.45pm McLean Park was deemed too wet to guaranteee player safety and the match was abandoned.
No reserve day was scheduled in Napier and angry fans, who left the ground booing and jeering, have been promised a full refund by New Zealand Cricket.
The next match and final game in the Chappell-Hadlee series is scheduled for Hamilton on Sunday.
New Zealand leads the series 1-nil.
-RNZ, Reuters
