Rain delays play on Day 1 at Lord’s

Rain has delayed the start of play on day 1 of the 2nd Ashes Test at Lord’s with the London weather looking pretty grim. The covers are on at the ground and the coin toss was also pushed back until inclement weather subsides.

The squads for the match have been released but the final teams we due to be announced at the toss.

The forecast for day one was not promising with the chance of rain reaching 90% for a large proportion of the day. Australia would be keen to get the game underway, coming to Lord’s 1-nil up in the series and having a great record at the venue.

Australia announced yesterday that they would be at least one change to the side that won at Edgbaston with James Pattinson being rested after making his return in the 1st Test.

Skipper Tim Paine revealed that the intention was always for the tearaway quick to play just one of the 2nd and 3rd Test matches with the short turn-around between games.

England have brought fast-bowler Jofra Archer into their 12-man squad to replace the injured Jimmy Anderson. The veteran damaged his calf just 4 overs int the 1st Test at Edgbaston forcing the hosts to play the rest of the match a man down.