Hamilton, Feb 15 NZPA - Rain has delayed the start of the one-off cricket test between New Zealand and Bangladesh at Seddon Park here today.

The match was due to begin at noon (local time) but neither side had made an appearance in the middle even to loosen up by then after rain began falling at 10.30am following overnight showers.

The heavy covers had yet to be lifted from the pitch and its immediate surrounds, and more rain was forecast for this afternoon.

Hamilton was covered in a cloak of low cloud all morning and the arrival of the rain forced the umpires, South African Rudi Koertzen and Rod Tucker, of Australia, to hold off the toss until they decide play can begin.