Ambrose made to wait on Test return : CRICKET

New Zealand 24-0 v West Indies The West Indies endured an even more exasperating opening day to the series than the handful of spectators who braved the grey, damp, chilly and altogether miserable weather for a return of less than an hour's cricket.

When Courtney Walsh won the toss, overnight and morning rain had already delayed the start by an hour but the greenish tinge to the pitch, the overhanging clouds and the temperature would have reminded him of Bristol on a bad day in May.

His decision to bowl first was immediate, in anticipation of the remainder of the afternoon harassing the New Zealanders in partnership with Curtly Ambrose, back in Test cricket after the extended rest to his overworked shoulder, and the two Benjamins.

No sooner had he told Ken Rutherford, to bat first than the rain returned, the light became gloomier and he and Ambrose only managed six overs and one ball before play was halted again.

There seemed no prospect of a resumption but, just when the hatches were being battened down for the night, the sun suddenly emerged from somewhere out of the leaden sky and, after lengthy reference to the playing conditions, the match referee, Peter vander Merwe of South Africa, ruled play could continue into the additional hour even though the stipulated close of play time had passed.

Walsh and Ambrose were left 5.5 unexpected overs but both seemed rusty and presented few problems before, for the third and last time, play was halted for poor light.

(First day; West Indies won toss)

NEW ZEALAND - First Innings B A Young not out 16

D J Murray not out 4

Extras (nb4) 4

Total (for no wicket, 11.4 overs) 24

To bat: A H Jones, *K R Rutherford, S A Thomson, S P Fleming, A C Parore, M N Hart, D J Nash, S B Doull, D K Morrison.

Bowling: Ambrose 6-3-10-0; Walsh 5-4.2-14- 0.

WEST INDIES: *C A Walsh, B C Lara, S C Williams, S L Campbell, K L T Arthurton, J C Adams, S Chanderpaul, J R Murray, W K M Benjamin, C E L Ambrose, K C G Benjamin.

Umpires: B Aldridge, N Plews.