Edgbaston, 28th June - After only three overs, chasing a gettable target of 262 to win, play was suspended as the floodlights were lowered following claps of thunder and imminent rain. After a great fightback from England, the home side would be disappointed not to have had more of an opportunity to chase the runs. despite coming back on, play was abandoned at the fall of England's first wicket.

Gilchrist and Hayden earlier in the day went about attacking the England bowlers, so much so Gough was taken out of the attack after two loose overs conceding 23 runs. 14 runs were scored off the first over, Gilchrist hooked and drives for four before poor throwing from Pietersen and a lack of backing up gifts Australia four overthrows. Following a tight over from Jones, Hayden dispatches Gough for two fours including a sublime cover drive. Match Scorecard

In the sixth over of the game, a heated exchange between Jones and Hayden ensues after Jones fielding his own bowling throws the ball at Hayden, hitting him on his chest. The Australian despite Jones' apologies is not convinced. Flintoff and Collingwood close ranks and Ponting steps in to calm the situation. Gilchrist was the first man to go when he edged a rising ball to Jones behind the stumps for 19, Australia 1 for 34.

Hayden fell four overs later, trapped leg before to a good ball from Jones, the fielders and bowler celebrating enthusiastically after the earlier needle.

England came back into the match bowling a tighter line and length. After Ponting, who looked a lot more comfortable out in the middle today and Martyn had put on an innings building 49 run partnership, Ponting fell to Flintoff in the 22nd over. The score was 3 for 95, Ponting had fallen for a decent 34 but will surely be disappointed not to take it further.

Four overs later, Vaughan replaced Flintoff and promptly conceded 13 runs in the over and the captain as quick as he had come on, took himself off with his tail between his legs. Martyn then fell to a dubious catch after top edging to third man, Pietersen the fielder who claimed the catch and threw the ball into the ground in delight. Martyn remained at the crease and following a discussion in the middle, Shepher raised his finger and Martyn returned to the pavilion. Television replays suggested the ball had touched the ground and should not have been given.

Symonds and Hussey, the two batsmen in top form for Australia put on a hundred plus partnership at over six an over to take the game back to England. Symonds (74) scored yet another half century and was well on his way to a first tour hundred when he was run out from a direct hit (Collingwood). The Australian innings fell apart from this point on, England bowlers gaining confidence as the batsmen were replaced by the lower order bowlers.

Gough was brought back on to finish his spell promptly sent three Australians back to the changing rooms including Clarke (returning after a back injury), Hogg and Gillespie. Lee played well for a brisk 21 and Australia closed on 9 for 261.

With a rain reduced total of 200 required from 33 overs, Strauss hit McGrath for 16 off the first over on resumption, all boundaries. 102 minutes were lost following the first break after 3 overs.

A victory was well on the cards for England at this point, playing conditions favouring the batsman and runs coming with ease. Seven runs were scored from Lee's first over after the break, Lee conceding only 13 runs in his firs thee overs. Strauss punished McGrath with another boundary but the bowler had the best laugh when Strauss attempting to play the ball to mid wicket again caught the leading edge and Gillespie took the catch at mid on. England were 1 for 37. Before another ball was bowled, the heavens opened and the umpires took the players off the field with play looking unlikely to resume.

40 minutes later the umpires called it a day with no sign of the rain abating. Both teams will have gleaned something from today's encounter. Australia have improved in their last few matches and with Bangladesh on Thursday, they will look to continue their positive momentum ahead of the final against England on Saturday. England on the other hand did extremely well to restrict the visitors to under 270 for at one stage it looked as if 300+ was well on the cards.

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