England match called off

Play was officially abandoned shortly after 3pm after groundstaff failed to dry the sodden outfield.

Headingley underwent a £600,000 makeover this winter, including a new drainage and irrigation system, but failed to handle the deluge in its first serious test.

The expensive scheme's final stage - a complete relaying of a new outfield - was finished in early April.

Excess water lay on the surface after heavy morning rain, however, and not even the extensive use of Blotter machines - designed to soak up puddles - could get the ground fit to play in time to constitute a contest.

The cut-off time for the game to commence was 4.30pm, with a minimum of 20 overs per side required.

But umpires Steve Davis and Nigel Llong, who surveyed the ground several times after the scheduled 10.45am start, gave up hope at 3.12pm and a definitive announcement was made.

It came with the famous Leeds ground bathed in sunshine and was met by a chorus of boos from disgruntled spectators.

The England squad attempted to placate the public by lapping the boundary perimeter to sign autographs and chat.

Earlier, several players strolled on the outfield at various intervals, with water clearly squelching over their boots.