How is leading the side until Vettori's arrival

Aaron Redmond staked an early claim for a place in New Zealand's Test side before the opening game of their tour to England was abandoned at Arundel.

Uncapped opener Redmond hit seven fours in his 72 as the tourists made 239-7 from 47 overs against an MCC XI.

Fast bowler Mark Gillespie then picked up two wickets as the MCC, who included former Kiwi stars Chris Cairns and Nathan Astle, began their reply.

They reached 44-2 from nine overs before rain prevented any further play.

There are batting places up for grabs in New Zealand's Test line-up, with Matthew Bell not selected for the tour and former skipper Stephen Fleming having retired.

And coach John Bracewell was well pleased with the performance of Redmond, whose father Rodney toured England in 1973, and acting skipper Jamie How.

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They shared a first-wicket stand of 91 to lay the foundation for New Zealand's total, with How particularly assertive as he collected 10 fours.

"We're looking for intent from our openers, not just occupation," said Bracewell.

Redmond, 28, then took on the senior role and it took an excellent diving catch from keeper Paul Nixon to bring his 117-ball knock to an end.

"I was a little bit nervous at the start because it's the first time I've had the opportunity to play for a New Zealand side, but it was great to find my feet.

"It's a great opportunity and the best thing I can do is keep performing and training hard."

The other highlight of New Zealand's innings was provided by youngster Tim Southee, who struck two sixes in his unbeaten 20 off eight balls in the closing overs.

There were six rain interruptions to play in all, and New Zealand will be hoping for better weather in their next game, a three-day fixture against Kent.

But Gillespie had time to have Darren Bicknell caught for 12 and win an lbw decision against Richard Montgomerie (20) before the match was called off as a no result.