da casino： It was a most disappointing start to their Indian tour for theNew Zealanders
Partab Ramchand02-Oct-1999It was a most disappointing start to their Indian tour for theNew Zealanders. Rain washed out the first day’s play in their gameagainst India A at Pune on Thursday. On the second day there was timefor 44 overs to be bowled during which the visitors struggled to make135 for six. Whatever hopes the tourists might have entertained ofhaving some further match practice were dashed by the inclement weatheras rain ruled out play on the final day on Saturday.One recalls how the scheduled opening three day game of the WestIndies tour in 1987-88 at Hyderabad was a total washout, with nota ball being bowled. But on that occasion, the West Indies had alreadyplayed much cricket in the sub continent over the preceding monthsince they had taken part in the Reliance Cup. So much so that theywere still able to win the first Test by five wickets. This lack ofmatch practice does not augur well for the New Zealanders. Allthey can hope for now is for better weather at Jodhpur where they takeon Board President’s XI in a three day game commencing on October 5.They have to make the most of it for it remains their only matchbefore the first Test starts on October 10.