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Australia's bid to win the ODI series in England has been delayed by rain on their return to Lord's for the first time since the stormy Ashes Test.
Australia's return to Lord's for the first time since the stormy Ashes Test in 2023 has got off to a soggy start at the home of cricket with rain delaying the toss in the fourth one-day international against England.
One downpour amid persistent drizzle ensured the covers were still on at 12 noon local time on Friday when Australia captain Mitch Marsh and his Harry Brook had been scheduled to be in the middle.
The forecast suggested things would brighten up during the afternoon, ensuring Australia should get the chance to shoot for a series victory, as they lead 2-1 in the five-match series.
But a reduced-overs contest looked on the cards on a damp day without any of the dramatic feel of the Test last June, when Alex Carey's controversial run out of Jonny Bairstow prompted English anger and unprecedented scenes of MCC members clashing with Australia's players in the Long Room.
England had fought back after losing the first two matches of the ODI series, winning another rain-interrupted contest at Chester-le-Street on Tuesday by 46 runs on DLS.
Australia were set to welcome back two of their key performers with opener Travis Head fit again after injury and leg-spinner Adam Zampa recovered from illness.