England’s hopes of winning the second test against New Zealand dissolved in a drought-breaking downpour that washed out the final day Monday, forcing a draw which leaves the three-match series level at 0-0.
The rain allowed only 35 overs to be bowled on the fourth day and washed out all of the final day, leaving New Zealand 162-2 after following on.
England had New Zealand on the ropes when rain intervened, having dismissed the host for 254 in reply to its own first innings of 465.
With only a little more time, England would have pressed strongly for a win which would have allowed it to take a 1-0 lead into the third test which starts Friday at Auckland.
