India v NZ test washed out amongst controversey

Carisbrook Park, the world's southern most Test cricket venue, lived up to its local ``house of pain'' reputation with solid rain from Friday morning when play was to have started.

Although the pitch covers were doing their work by Sunday, with rain still falling it was apparent the rest of the field was getting a good soaking.

Australian match referee Barry Jarman offered an extension to the match with a day Wednesday, but India declined, saying it did not give them enough time until the second Test on December 26 in Wellington.

New Zealand coach Steven Rixon slammed their attitude.

``I just don't understand why they wouldn't want to play. We're supposedly the underdogs. I would have thought they would have been keen to get out there and prove it. You can't wing games of cricket sitting in the dressing room.''

The Sunday Star-Times reported here that the Indian management protested at Rixon's remarks.

New Zealand Cricket chief executive Chris Doig stepped in to placate feelings, but Rixon, an Australian, stuck by his remarks.

``I was disappointed they feel the way they do, but there's nothing to gain from making further comment on it,'' Doig said.

``I think they're probably keen to play the next two Tests away from the coldness of Dunedin.''

Former New Zealand bowling great Sir Richard Hadlee joined the debate, saying it was time the International Cricket Conference gave match referees the powers to adjudicate on match extensions.

He said to get people back to cricket the games have to be played.

``If it means extending time or even adding an extra day if possible, why not do it,'' he wrote in his Sunday Star-Times column.