Persistent showers force opening-day abandonment

England v New Zealand - No play
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details

Persistent showers prevented any play on the first day of the second Test between England and New Zealand at Headingley.

Although there were brief gaps in the clouds, the weather did not relent enough even for the toss to be taken or teams named. The forecast is better for the weekend, though, and an extra half-hour can be added to each remaining day of the game. It was the first time since 1980 that the opening day at Headingley had been washed out.

England are expected to name an unchanged team from the side that won the first Test at Lord's by 170 runs. That means there will be no recall for Tim Bresnan on his home ground and another chance for Steven Finn.

New Zealand are expected to make two changes. With left-arm spinner Bruce Martin and wicketkeeper BJ Watling both injured, New Zealand will field a four-man seam attack with Doug Bracewell coming back into the side, while Brendon McCullum will keep wicket and Martin Guptill will strengthen a batting line-up with was blown away for just 68 in the second innings at Lord's. That would leave Kane Williamson, a part-time offspinner, as their only spin option.