England-Australia match in doubt due to continued rain

England’s bid to get back into their T20 World Cup winning ways against Ashes rivals Australia could be hampered by continuing rain in the dismal MCG.

After England suffered a shock defeat in a rain-affected game against Ireland at the same venue on Wednesday, they were looking to revive their hopes of finishing first and second in Super 12 on Friday night.

Defeat to England or Australia, who have won and lost once in their two championship matches so far, will likely dash their hopes of advancing to the semi-finals.

But the inclement weather in Melbourne may be comforting for the time being, as Ireland’s match against Afghanistan was abandoned without a ball thrown in on Friday afternoon as the rain never stopped.

By the time the England-Australia match was scheduled for 6:30pm local time (8:30am UK time), the covers remained on the field as a light drizzle continued to fall.

There will be a field check at 7.30pm (9:30am in the UK), as the ground is believed to be very wet underfoot, which means that a major cleaning is required before players can enter the field.

Andy Balberni, Ireland captain, said: “I seriously doubt if there will be a game tonight, it’s very humid outside.

“Tonight’s game will probably be abandoned unless there is sun somewhere out there. It will all be playable, for all teams next week.”

England’s bid to get back into their T20 World Cup winning ways against Ashes rivals Australia could be hampered by continuing rain in the dismal MCG.

After England suffered a shock defeat in a rain-affected game against Ireland at the same venue on Wednesday, they were looking to revive their hopes of finishing first and second in Super 12 on Friday night.

Defeat to England or Australia, who have won and lost once in their two championship matches so far, will likely dash their hopes of advancing to the semi-finals.

But the inclement weather in Melbourne may be comforting for the time being, as Ireland’s match against Afghanistan was abandoned without a ball thrown in on Friday afternoon as the rain never stopped.

By the time the England-Australia match was scheduled for 6:30pm local time (8:30am UK time), the covers remained on the field as a light drizzle continued to fall.

There will be a field check at 7.30pm (9:30am in the UK), as the ground is believed to be very wet underfoot, which means that a major cleaning is required before players can enter the field.

Andy Balberni, Ireland captain, said: “I seriously doubt if there will be a game tonight, it’s very humid outside.

“Tonight’s game will probably be abandoned unless there is sun somewhere out there. It will all be playable, for all teams next week.”