Cricket: Wellington one-dayer will not start on time

Heavy overnight downpours delayed the start of the third one-day cricket international between New Zealand and South Africa despite brilliantly fine weather at Wellington's Westpac Stadium today.

Umpires Steve Davis and Tony Hill met with captains Graeme Smith and Stephen Fleming earlier and agreed to conduct another ground inspection at 2pm, the original scheduled start time.

There was no indication of a likely adjusted start time but there was still hope a full 50-over match would be played.

Both teams were warming up at the ground.

The areas of concern were the sodden bowler's run-ups and the outfield which required new turf to be laid yesterday.

Blow driers were being used to dry the run-ups at both ends.

- NZPA