England v New Zealand 2nd Test: First day washed out

The latest report from the second Test at Headingley

England captain Alastair Cook speaks with groundsman as rain delays play on day one of 2nd Investec Test match between England and New Zealand at Headingley (GETTY IMAGES)

After just under five hours of rain delays, play has officially been abandoned on Day One of the second Test match between England and New Zealand at Headingley.

The wet and windy weather in Leeds this morning had meant that any chance of play today always looked slim and although there were brief sunny interludes, the rain kept coming back, making it almost impossible for the groundstaff to get the pitch ready for play.

Both sets of players will return tomorrow when better weather is forecast. Although the bad weather has meant the toss has yet to take place and the lineups have not been confirmed, England are expected to be unchanged from the first Test, while New Zealand are set to bring in Martin Guptil and Doug Bracewell for the injured BJ Watling and Bruce Martin.

England come into the final match of the two-Test series with a 1-0 lead following their dramatic 170-run win at Lord’s on Sunday.