Wellington: Two persons were arrested for vandalising the Basin Reserve cricket ground, venue of the ongoing first Test between India and New Zealand, an official said on Friday.

"They were caught early this morning when they were burning a small patch of grass with petrol to write a slogan on the bowlers' run-up," said New Zealand cricket media manager Simon Wilson.

"They could write only 'No Wa..' before being arrested by the security staff. They were charged with vandalism and trespassing," he said.

"They were locals and probably protesting against war and terrorism. They were not targetting the Indian cricket team."

The Indian team management played down the incident, saying it had not affected the players.

"We are not concerned about it," said team manager Nathu Ram Choudhary.

Copyright AFP 2001

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