Rain ends tour match

New Zealand’s opening first-class fixture of their tour of England was abandoned as a draw after heavy rain prevented any play against Kent on the final day.

The wet weather left huge puddles of water on the outfield at the St Lawrence Ground, Canterbury, and umpires Nigel Cowley and Andy Hicks called matters off shortly before the scheduled 1pm lunch interval.

New Zealand entered the final day on 92 for one, replying to Kent’s 324 for one declared.

The tourists face Essex in a four-day encounter at Chelmsford starting on Friday.