England return delayed by rain

The long-awaited return of international cricket was delayed by rain as England prepared to take on the West Indies in the first #raisethebat Test in the bio-secure bubble at the Ageas Bowl.

The last Test between New Zealand and India took concluded on March 2, six days before the conclusion of the Women’s T20 World Cup, while England wrapped up their previous competitive outing in Johannesburg on January 27.

The skies were grey overhead as the umpires decided to push back the scheduled 10.30am toss, but the forecast suggested the day was not heading for a washout.