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Wellington - A thin canvas, known as scrim, covering the pitch prior to the second day of the second Test between New Zealand and the West Indies yesterday sparked some early controversy.

Former West Indies fast bowler Colin Croft, covering the tour for the international media, saw the scrim on the pitch when he arrived before play and claimed it was being used to help protect the pitch to assist the New Zealanders.

West Indies captain Brian Lara was reportedly upset when he saw the covering on the pitch. But head groundsman Trevor Jackson rejected claims of gamesmanship.

He said his action was no different from the previous day, and match referee Raman Subba Row of England and the umpires were comfortable with it.

'The full covers were taken off early in the morning as usual and the scrim put down because of the noon start,' he said. 'That actually prevents the wicket drying any further. If anything it helped the West Indies.

'We were favouring nobody and cannot afford to for any match,' he added. 'We are fair to all.'

The scrim was removed about 90 minutes before play began, but Subba Row said it would not be allowed to stay on before today's play.

'The groundsman had the best interests of the game at heart, but the rules say it cannot be covered by anything after the covers come off, even if the start is later than usual,' he said.

Meanwhile, Subba Row said a catchword - 'Oi' - was being used by the umpires to settle any incidents. He was speaking after New Zealand fast bowler Dion Nash had words with West Indies opener Adrian Griffith during yesterday's play.

Subba Row said no official action needed to be taken. It had been agreed before the match that the word 'Oi' would be used when the umpires decided enough sledging had gone on.

© The Barbados Nation