Live blog from England's series-opening Royal London one-day international against India at Bristol.
By Matt Somerford
Rain delayed the start of England's first Royal London one-day international against India at Bristol.
Alex Hales' hopes of making his 50-over debut were being put on hold by the weather as the first ODI at the County Ground for four years was in danger of turning into a damp squib.
The scheduled start time of 10.30am came and went with the rain, which had set in overnight, showing little sign of relenting.
Pre-Play News
10.45am - England are due to play just their ninth one-day international at the County Ground in Bristol today. Their record here is not brilliant, though, having won three times.
When we were last here four years ago Bangladesh snuck a five-run win. India have played here, seven years ago, when they also were narrow winners - getting up by nine runs when one Sachin Tendulkar hit 99. Interestingly, Alastair Cook opened that day with Ian Bell at three.
The rain doesn't stop some! pic.twitter.com/TNBDGCVubf
— Gloucestershire CCC (@Gloscricket) August 25, 2014
10.30am - We've reached the scheduled start and the covers remain firmly on.
10.15am - The groundstaff are working away on cleaning up the surface water as much as they can. There are two super-soppers working their magic on the covers at the minute. It's still raining though.
Quite a few hardy souls have found their seats in the stands and are braving the weather. While they, and we, sit around waiting for the rain to clear here is our preview of today's game with the confirmation Alex Hales is due to open on his debut....if the rain goes.
2 - India have 100% ODI win records at two venues (minimum 3 ODIs): Indore and Bristol. History. #EngvInd
— OptaJim (@OptaJim) August 25, 2014
9.40am - The first bit of news to share with you today is that we have a delayed start. It has been raining here in Bristol for most of the night and it is lingering around - it's one of those days where the rain hangs in the air rather than falls.
The umpires have been out into the middle a couple of times, but the pitch is under heavy cover so they've not been able to have a proper look. With that in mind they have had no choice but to delay the start, which was scheduled fro 10.30am. I'll update you as I get more information.
Rain, please go away! #PrayForAHeatwave#ENGVINDpic.twitter.com/h01t1oy6Oh
— Gloucestershire CCC (@Gloscricket) August 25, 2014