Cricket: Weather may have final say in third test

Bad weather is forecast for the remainder of the third test between New Zealand and the West Indies in Barbados. Photo / AP

The forecast in Barbados over the next three days suggests rain may triumph over New Zealand and the West Indies in the third test.

Inclement weather's dominated the second day with the teams leaving the field shortly after lunch. The hosts had eased to 169 for two, trailing the tourists by 134 runs.

Chris Gayle (42) and Kraigg Brathwaite (68) had been dismissed; Kirk Edwards (42) and Darren Bravo (8) were not out.

The onus had gone on the West Indies top order to take more responsibility in the absence of an extra batsman from the second test with bowlers Shane Shillingford and Jason Holder replacing Shannon Gabriel and debutant batsman Jermaine Blackwood.

They have delivered to this point.

The New Zealand bowlers conceded 3.99 runs an over, suggesting the pitch held few batting demons despite the weather disruption.

Off spinner Mark Craig might have some footmarks to exploit should the match have time to progress beyond the forecast thundershowers.

He had Gayle caught at long on but did not threaten to the same extent as Sulieman Benn with his five-wicket bag on the opening day.

Wagner looked tidy with one for 11 from 7.2 overs. He coaxed Brathwaite into hitting a catch to Tim Southee at short cover.

New Zealand convinced the umpires to change the ball after 24 overs of the West Indies innings when the score was 89 for one but the decision came with limited reward.

Southee and Trent Boult must elicit more penetration as the strike bowlers should New Zealand return to the field.

The series is tied 1-1.