Rain frustrates Australia

Cameron White's quickfire 55 had helped the hosts to a competitive 145 for four on a slow wicket, before England had been reduced to four for two in reply.

But that was the last of the action with just 1.1 overs possible before the rain that had already delayed England's innings by 45 minutes settled in for the day.

Brett Lee had missed Australia's 2-1 Ashes series defeat, but took just three balls to make an impact.

Debutant Joe Denly awkwardly fended at a well-aimed bouncer that looped to Nathan Hauritz at square leg to send the Kent opener on his way for a first-ball duck.

Ravi Bopara's desperate summer continued when Mitchell Johnson induced an edge that flew to Shane Watson at first slip for one.

But with the rain falling heavier the players went off at 5.01pm and after failing to reappear before the cut-off period, and the required five overs not being bowled for the match to constitute as a contest, play was abandoned without a result.

Earlier, White profited from being dropped by Denly when he was on 12 to post a half century that helped the tourists register an above-par score.

Just five boundaries had been hit in the first 15 overs as Australia crawled to 93 for three, before White cut loose.