A potentially worrying calf injury to New Zealand captain Ross Taylor cast a shadow over the opening session on the second day of the one-off cricket Test against Zimbabwe in Napier on Friday.

New Zealand resumed at 5-331 under overcast skies, and were forced from the field two balls into the 16th over of the day with the score at 392 for five when rain set in.

The break could prove fortunate after Taylor, looking to kick on from his unbeaten 111 overnight, pulled up lame while attempting a quick single.

With opener-turned-wicketkeeper BJ Watling at the other end finding his timing early, New Zealand had looked measured until Taylor tweaked his calf and retired hurt on 122.

Zimbabwe’s bowling attack perked up at an unexpected chance to attack the Black Caps’ tail, but couldn’t capitalise before the rain set in.

They shelled a golden chance late in the 12th over of the day when Doug Bracewell was dropped in the covers by Foster Mutizwa off Shingi Masakadza when he was on two.

The 21-year-old rookie recovered impressively, clipping two fours off his pads to sit on 11 when players left the field.

Watling looked solid in compiling his second half-century in seven Tests, bringing up his 50 with an edge through slips to be on 52 from 97 balls including seven fours.

Lunch was taken as rain continued to fall.