Noon inspection at Edgbaston

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The outlook was surprisingly promising as sunshine bathed the ground as the players practised first thing this morning.

However, the effects of yesterday's torrential rain meant umpires Rudi Koertzen and Aleem Dar had to delay the start. They had intended to survey the sodden outfield at 11am but another downpour arrived shortly after 10.30am to scupper those plans.

Groundstaff worked through the night, aided by five super-sopper machines, in a mass mop-up operation.

Despite their efforts around the clock, one of the practice strips off the square was left like a quagmire and the Rea Bank stand side of the ground was extremely boggy.

Another period of sun, however, encouraged them to announce another check of the playing area.