CANTERBURY (England), May 1: Rain washed out the whole of the third and final day’s play in New Zealand’s opening first-class fixture of their tour of England, against Kent here on Wednesday.

No play was possible after the weather left large puddles on the outfield.

As a result the match was drawn with New Zealand on their overnight score of 92 for one featuring an unbeaten 53 from stand-in captain Jamie How.

Kent captain Robert Key, who will next week lead the England Lions, the national ‘A’ side, against New Zealand in a tour match at the Rose Bowl, made 178 not out in his team’s total of 324 for one declared.

James Tredwell was unbeaten on 123 after sharing a stand of 239 with Test batsman Key.

New Zealand’s tour continues with a four-day match against Essex from on Friday.

Then comes the Lions fixture before the first Test against England starts at Lord’s on May 15.—AFP