Cricket: Light rain threatens Black Caps' start time

New Zealand's Kane Williamson, left, and Trent Bolt maneuver their fielders during their one day international cricket match against Australia in Sydney. Photo / AP.

Light rain is threatening a start on time in the second Chappell Hadlee ODI at Canberra's Manuka Oval today.

Some rain has been forecast for the afternoon, after steady rain through the night.

The hessian covers are on the pitch, with the main set of covers sitting on a tractor beside it ready for rolling out if the rain gets any heavier.

There have been light spits falling for the last 45 minutes.

New Zealand must win the match to keep alive their hopes of retaining the trophy won last summer in New Zealand.

However if the game was to be washed out, all interest would turn to game three in Melbourne on Friday. In that scenario, a New Zealand win would enable it to keep the trophy.

The match is due to start at 4.20pm NZT.