LONDON, May 5: Nathan Astle confirmed that his recovery from a potentially career-threatening knee injury is firmly back on track with an unbeaten 64 as New Zealand's tour game against British Universities petered out into a rain-sodden draw on Wednesday.

Astle hit 11 fours in his team's total of 128 for three at Fenners where the first two days had been washed out. The innings was a rare bright spot for the Black Caps ahead of the first Test against England at Lord's on May 20.

Astle was at the crease for the first time since returning home from last year's tour of India for surgery on his right knee, having previously undergone an operation on the left one.

Start of play on Wednesday was brought forward by 45 minutes to help the tourists get as much match practise as possible. Opener Michael Papps was trapped lbw for a duck off the first ball he faced - and just the fifth of the match - by David Wigley with just one run on the board.

Astle joined Mark Richardson to share a 90-run second-wicket stand before the left-handed opener was lbw to Tim Linley for 39. Astle completed his half-century, which included eight fours, off 81 balls in 117 minutes and, with Scott Styris, who hit three fours and the only six of the morning in a quickfire 22, took the score to 128 for two at lunch.

The afternoon session consisted of only one ball which saw Styris fall to a good catch down the leg side by wicket-keeper Ismail Dawood off the bowling of Lee Daggett before the rain returned to bring an end to the match.

Rain has also meant the Kiwis abandoning any hope of outdoor practise ahead of their four-day match against Worcestershire at New Road which starts on Friday. But the tourists had already organised standby indoor facilities at Edgbaston.

Skipper Stephen Fleming, who was left out of the match against the British Universities as a precaution after bruising his hand, will return against Worcestershire. -AFP