New Zealand v England: Rain washes out first day of Test series

Image caption, Spectators wait in vain for the rain to stop in Dunedin

Rain washed out the first day of the Test series between New Zealand and England in Dunedin.

Although New Zealand won the toss and asked the tourists to bat, no play was possible at the University Oval.

Earlier, England off-spinner Graeme Swann was ruled out of the series with an elbow injury that requires surgery.

Slow left-armer Monty Panesar replaced Swann, while 32-year-old left-arm spinner Bruce Martin won his first Test cap for the hosts.

Opening batsman Hamish Rutherford will also make his New Zealand debut.

Rain arrived shortly after bad light delayed the scheduled 21:30 GMT start and, although it relented, a wet outfield forced play to be abandoned at 03:15 GMT.

Play will start half an hour early - at 21:00 GMT - on Wednesday to help make up for lost time.

The match is the first in a three-Test series also featuring games in Wellington and Auckland.