For the first time since 1964 - at Lord's against Australia - the first two days of an England home Test were washed out after the second day at Edgbaston went the same way as the first. Such had been the volume of rain in Birmingham that the umpires took the decision shortly after the scheduled lunch interval and no one was surprised.

The forecast for the weekend is better - although showers remain likely - but the outfield has taken a battering over recent days and despite improved drainage there are a number of very soggy areas that will cause concern. With the series decided none of the players will want to take risks on a wet outfield.

It was clear from well before the start time that play was unlikely and some England players did not bother rushing to the ground. A few used the indoor net facilities while Kevin Pietersen spent time signing autographs for those supporters who lingered through the dire conditions.

It remains to be seen whether the shortened match increases the chances of England resting Stuart Broad alongside James Anderson which would mean places for Steven Finn and Graham Onions. However, the second washout gives Shivnarine Chanderpaul further time to rest the side injury that forced him to visit hospital on Thursday.