Australia’s prospects of fighting back in the third Ashes Test have been thwarted by the elements after rain washed out day three at Edgbaston.
The constant rain forced play to be called off at 2.38pm (2338 AEST) without a ball being bowled on Saturday and there were fears the waterlogged outfield could create further delays on Sunday.
There have been just under four of the nine scheduled sessions completed on the opening three days.
In reply to Australia’s 263, England remained at 2-116 with Andrew Strauss (64no) and Ian Bell (26no) unbeaten.
Trailing 1-0 in the five-match series, the pressure is on Australia to make the running and England coach Andy Flower expected there could be some life in the track when play does resume.
“The conditions changed quite a lot from the first afternoon to the second day, and the behaviour of the ball,” he said.
“Our guys performed a lot better on the second morning as well. I do think the conditions change under the covers.
“There should be a little bit in the pitch, I’d imagine.”
Australia’s Shane Watson said it would be hard for the tourists to push for victory with so much time already lost in the match and with light showers predicted for Monday.
“I think there is a possibility but I am not exactly sure how things are going to pan out and we are going to have to bowl extremely well once we get out there tomorrow whenever that opportunity arises and see what happens from there,” he said.
“Unfortunately the weather has meant that we have lost a lot of time which means it is very difficult to win a Test match.”
Rain has fallen in the Birmingham area in 15 of the past 18 days.
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