Alastair Cook reached 50 as England moved on to 89-0 in the 8.5 overs of play possible on day three of the first Test.
Cook half century the only bright spot on miserable third day
First npower Test Match
Lord's - Day Three
New Zealand 277 (B B McCullum 97, R J Sidebottom 4-55) v England 89-0 (A N Cook 53 no)
The opening Test between England and New Zealand continued to be ruined by the weather as only 8.5 overs of play were possible on day three at Lord's.
Early morning drizzle meant a delayed start to proceedings before another shower at midday forced the players from the field.
In what little action there was England managed to score 21 runs without the loss of a wicket to take their first innings total to 89-0.
Cook shines
Alastair Cook used the time to move to his half century, his 17th 50-plus score in Test cricket coming up with a well-timed four through the covers.
The Essex opener provided the only ray if light on another gloomy day and will resume on Sunday morning on 53 not out.
Opening partner Andrew Strauss will be alongside him on 31, with the hosts sitll 188 runs behind the Black Caps' total of 277.
Umpires Steve Bucknor and Simon Taufel scheduled several afternoon inspections just when it appeared the rain had relented.
However, on each occasion they threatened to leave the safety of the pavilion and get remotely close to the middle the heavens opened again.
By 5.30pm the downpours were getting heavier and the officials decided enough was enough, abandoning play for the day.
With only two days to go a positive result for either teams looks a long shot, though England will be hoping to engineer themselves into a strong position providing the dark clouds disappear.
