England vs New Zealand: Delayed start to final day's play

England’s Graeme Swann (R) reacts during the fourth day’s play in the second cricket Test match between England and New Zealand at Headingly in Leeds on May 27, 2013.

Rain delayed the scheduled start of the final day of the second Test between England and New Zealand at Headingley on Tuesday.

Although the showers are not heavy, the ground remains damp and it will not allow the umpires to start the play. England are four-wickets away from victory.

An Australian official said: ” There is still some rain around so we want to make sure it’s stopped before we start.

“It’s purely down to us – the safety of the players will determine when play will start.

New Zealand are 158 for six in their second innings, needing a further 310 to reach their improbable victory target of 468 after England off-spinner Graeme Swann took his match haul to eight wickets with four for 61 on Monday.

Rain could yet deny England victory and a 2-0 series win.

In that case, they might rue both England captain Alastair Cook’s decision not to enforce the follow-on on Sunday, and indeed bat on after lunch on Monday in a match where the whole of Friday’s first day was washed out without a ball bowled.

England lead the series 1-0 after their 170-run first Test win at Lord’s.