West Indies v New Zealand third test fizzles to a draw

WELLINGTON, Mar 29 (Reuters) Wet weather ensured the third and final test between New Zealand and the West Indies ended in a draw at Napier today.

Play was abandoned before a ball was bowled on the fifth and final day after overnight rain had again flooded parts of the McLean Park field, ruining any chance of a result.

The third and fourth days were also completely washed out while less than 80 overs were completed on the opening two days because of the storms.

The West Indies were left stranded on 256 for four, with Runako Morton unbeaten on 70 and Dwayne Bravo not out 22, while New Zealand did not even get to start their first innings.

New Zealand won the series 2-0 after winning the first test in Auckland by 27 runs then the second in Wellington by 10 wickets.

today's draw ended a frustrating run of eight straight test losses for the once-mighty West Indies.

They will now head home to face Zimbabwe and India while the New Zealanders travel to South Africa next month.

REUTERS PDS RN0728