WELLINGTON — Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor and persistent light rain Sunday ensured that New Zealand's second Test against England at the Basin Reserve is most likely to end in a damp draw Monday. The host was on 162 for two after the rain had disrupted much of the fourth day's play with 39 overs lost after lunch and 16 overs at the end of day due to more rain after play had resumed at 1710 local (0410 GMT). Williamson (55) and Taylor (41) had combined for an unbroken 81-run partnership in New Zealand's second innings after being forced to follow on, though they were still 49 runs from making England bat again, before it was forced off again at 1730 and despite attempts to restart, play was abandoned at 1755. New Zealand's MetService has forecast a southerly change and persistent rain for the Wellington region throughout Monday and a draw is now the most likely result. “We just have to turn up tomorrow and wait and see how the day turns out. If the weather is good we still have a lot of work to do.” England's only breakthrough came in the first session when Fulton prodded at a full-length James Anderson delivery and the ball flew to Alastair Cook at first slip. Fulton's dismissal for 45 left New Zealand 81-2 and with Monty Panesar extracting turn from the pitch, the host was nervously facing the prospect of losing the match. Taylor, who was on a king pair, negotiated his first delivery and got off the mark when Kevin Pietersen misfielded at mid-on, gradually growing in confidence as he fought off urges to attack Panesar, who was giving the ball more air. Their partnership became well established as they inched closer to lunch and Williamson brought up his sixth Test half century with his seventh boundary when he pulled a short Joe Root delivery to midwicket shortly before the break. Light rain then began falling at lunch and groundstaff placed covers over the wicket block at the start of the break, but intermittent, persistent showers throughout the afternoon meant only a further six overs were able to be bowled. New Zealand added nine runs before it was forced off again for the final time, with Fulton praising his young colleagues. — Reuters
