The first Test between the Black Caps and the West Indies has ended in a draw, after the last day was abandoned due to rain. It's the second day out of the five that has been abandoned due to poor weather, which raises the question - why would you play the first Test of the summer (and we use the word summer tentatively...) in Dunedin, not known for it's weather at the best of times? Sure, the University Oval is a great cricketing ground despite it's small size, but they should have held off and given Dunedin one of the Tests later in the summer, when they would be more likely to get five good days in. Not to mention that most of the students would be back by February, and that would mean a packed ground.

Aside from the weather, the cricket played has produced some positive aspects, and a couple of not so positive aspects. Firstly, the switching of Daniel Flynn and Jessie Ryder has been a great success, with both batsmen scoring plenty of runs in the first innings. John Bracewell must be wondering why he persisted with Flynn down the order, when he is clearly a better player coming in at three - and the same can be said of Ryder moving from three to five, where he too looks a lot more comfortable.

Tim Mckintosh looked OK, but didn't appear to offer any more than Arron Redmond would have opening the batting. Time will tell whether or not he can make a career for himself opening for the Black Caps. His opening partner, on the other hand, is on the fast track to joining the scrap heap. Jaime How has once again failed to score any runs, which has called his position in the side once again to question. We know he has the talent, but he'll need to get himself out of his slump very quickly.

The bowling was average at best, and was lacking someone who could put real pressure on the West Indian batsmen - aside from Daniel Vettori, of course, who was his usual impressive self. We are definitely missing someone with out-and-out pace like Shane Bond, and it's starting to show. Mark Gillespie failed to make the most of his opportunity (once again...), and unless he pulls out a blinder in Napier he will surely find himself back on the outer. He does have some pace, but fails to find consistency with his line and length, causing him to go for plenty of runs. The only thing in his favour is his batting ability, which while not outstanding is a hundred times better than Chris Martin's. Then again, he's not in the side to bat - he's there to take wickets.

The West Indies showed that they're not here to play games. They batted well, and gave some of our batsmen a bit of a working over with the ball, proving they are a dangerous side for anyone who takes them lightly. If the next Test can go the full five days, they are a real chance of beating the Black Caps.

The Black Caps already look a better unit with Andy Moles as coach, though, and while there are a few things to work on, we're confident Moles can get them back on the right track.

The next Test starts in Napier on Friday.