The first Test between New Zealand and the West Indies at the Seddon Park in Hamilton was delayed on Thursday due to rain, reported AFP.

According to the forecast, the weather was supposed to be clear in the early afternoon but for occasional showers to return over the next five days.

World Test Championship points are at stake in this Test series as New Zealand have a chance to make the final if they sweep the two West Indies Tests and the following two Tests against Pakistan. 

The West Indies currently languish in seventh place with head coach Phil Simmons saying victory was important to lift their Test status.

New Zealand has been quite successful at Seddon Park in the recent years after Test victories over Sri Lanka, Pakistan, West Indies and Bangladesh, and draws against South Africa and England since they last lost in Hamilton to South Africa in 2012.