SYDNEY, Dec 16: The Chappell-Hadlee Trophy one-day cricket series is still alive for New Zealand after only six overs of play were possible before the second match against Australia was washed out on Sunday.

The series will now go to Hobart on Thursday, with Australia seeking to wrap it up after winning Friday’s opener in Adelaide by seven wickets.

New Zealand were in strife at 30 for three from six overs when rain halted play and officials eventually called the game off.

Kiwi captain Daniel Vettori won the toss and batted, with play starting 45 minutes late because of the rain.

Australia’s fast bowlers struck early, snaring three wickets in the opening three overs.

Brett Lee (2-12) had Lou Vincent caught at second slip by Ricky Ponting for a second-ball duck. Jamie How (4) tried to guide a short ball from Nathan Bracken (1-18) was snapped up by Matthew Hayden.

Lee struck again in his second over when Brendon McCullum was caught at mid-off for five.—AFP