The New Zealand men's cricket team's three-day tour match against Cricket Australia's XI in Sydney has been abandoned after agreement between the two teams.
The Black Caps were reluctant to bat on the wicket after the Cricket Australia side declared their innings closed at 503 for one shortly before lunch, over concerns for the safety of their batsmen.
Black Caps captain Brendon McCullum Photo: Photosport
The stumps were taken out at the Blacktown International Sportspark ground at both ends of the wicket during the lunch interval, on day two of the three-day game.
Cricket Australia's Head of Cricket Operations Sean Cary said: "The decision has been agreed between the two teams to abandon the match due to the wicket's deteriorating surface becoming unfit for first class cricket."
"Preparation of the wicket was compromised by poor weather conditions in Sydney early this week," Cary said.
"In response, we're working with New Zealand Cricket to provide alternative preparation for the team ahead of next week's first Test."
