Rain Washes Out Deciding Australia vs. N. Zealand Tie

MELBOURNE, 11 December 2004 — Rain at the Gabba ground in Brisbane yesterday washed out the third and deciding match in the inaugural Chappell-Hadlee Trophy limited-overs series between Australia and New Zealand.

Play was due to start at 0315 GMT but the toss was delayed as ground staff kept the wicket covered. Rain continued to fall for another four hours before the game was called off.

The series was tied after New Zealand won the first match by four wickets in Melbourne on Dec. 5 and the world champions hit back three days later in Sydney with a 17-run victory.