Rain has forced a halt to play on the second day of the one-off cricket Test between New Zealand and Zimbabwe at McLean Park in Napier on Friday.

New Zealand resumed at 5-331 under overcast skies, adding 61 before the rain swept in shortly after drinks were taken.

Skipper Ross Taylor, unbeaten on 111 at the close of play on Thursday, pulled a calf muscle and retired hurt on 122 – four balls into the 10th over of the day.

He was replaced at the crease by Doug Bracewell, who was dropped early in his innings but dug in to sit on seven when rain stopped play.

Opener-turned-wicketkeeper BJ Watling looked steady in building on his overnight score of 15, bringing up his 50 off 92 balls with an edge through slips.