The first cricket test between New Zealand and South Africa looks headed for a soggy draw and Black Cap batsman Ross Taylor says they players are doing what they can to stave off boredom.
Bowler Tim Southee on the attack for the Black Caps. Photo: Photosport
A wet outfield again prevented play on the fourth day of the first cricket test in Durban in what is becoming an increasing embarrassment for the hosts.
Heavy rain on Sunday left the outfield at Kingsmead patchy, muddy and dangerous for the players and despite two fine days there has been improvement in the surface, meaning no play was possible again.
The teams have been stuck inside their changing rooms for the past two-and-a-half days.
Taylor concedes there is not a lot to keep idle hands busy and with the players unable to use their cellphones, it is giving some of the squad an enforced break from online games.
"You've got some readers, you've got some guys who play some ball games inside, and obviously good old cards.
"But with the rules, you can't really play with your cellphone - which is probably a good thing."
New Zealand were struggling at 15 for two in reply to South Africa's first innings of 263 when the rain arrived just before lunch on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the final test between West Indies and India has been abandoned as a draw as the soggy outfield remained unplayable in Trinidad.
The result means India win the four-test series 2-0 but surrender top spot in the International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings to Pakistan, less than a week after taking over the number one position from Australia.
