A howling nor-westerly was blowing across the ground up to 100kph and heavy rain fell early in the morning.

It was a bleak scene with sandbags weighing down the tarpaulin covers, firstly to prevent the covers from blowing away, and secondly to prevent water seeping onto the Test wicket.

The pitch is almost certain to have a high moisture content. It looked damp on Tuesday, when players were practising and since then it has been covered after heavy rain fell in Wellington yesterday morning.

Both teams have already been to the ground today but have opted for the warmer conditions of their respective hotels and it would be a minor miracle if there were any play today.

That would be of benefit to injured England batsman Mark Butcher, although there are fears that even an extra day of recovery time would not be sufficient for him to take his place in the match.

It is also a bonus for New Zealand's left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori who has been complaining of some back soreness.

Neither side has been finalised and nor are they likely to be until the covers are taken from the ground.

Conditions are expected to ease tomorrow and the weather is expected to be markedly better by Saturday.

No inspection has been made of the ground by the match umpires Steve Dunne and Darrell Hair yet.