Match abandoned
Persistent rain led to the second Twenty20 international in Malahide being abandoned, leaving England still 1-0 up in the series ahead of the final clash on Sunday.
The showers were a huge disappointment for the 4,500 sell-out crowd in the North Dublin suburbs. While there were some hopes of play earlier in the day, persistent rain from just before the scheduled 1.30pm start time led to the game being abandoned without a ball being bowled.
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Scott Currie has been released by England to play in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup final on Sunday. This also means that Currie, who has previously played three games for Scotland, remains eligible to play for Scotland.
Phil Salt’s 89 in the first clash on Friday powered England to a four-wicket victory and 1-0 lead in the series. After Ireland made 196-3, underpinned by half-centuries from Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker, England thrashed 84-1 in the Powerplay and then cruised to a win.
Friday’s clash was England’s first men’s international in Ireland since 2019, increasing local frustrations about the abandonment of the second fixture. But a three-game series in mid-to-late September in Dublin was always likely to be at risk of being undermined by the weather.
The outfield is very wet
And it’s still raining. Just going through the motions now until we have official confirmation.
Just waiting for the abandonment now
So England will be 1-0 up ahead of the final game on Sunday.
A matter of time now
The rain is very steady. Prospects of any play are remote, sadly.
Trying to be optimistic
But it’s difficult. Still, I would heartily recommend Gibney’s pub around the corner to any travelling supporters frustrated not to be watching cricket.
It’s not looking great
The rain isn’t that heavy – but it is very persistent. The crowd mostly have their umbrellas out still. It’s definitely odds-against any cricket today as we stand. The forecast for Sunday is much better, though.
Rain is slightly lighter now
But the covers are still on, and so are plenty of umbrellas.
Rain is getting heavier
Unfortunately the rain is getting heavier now. We can hear it dropping fairly heavily on the press tent now. A real shame given the sell-out crowd here if the weather does not improve. In the meantime, here’s a story on how Rehan Ahmed and – surprisingly – Will Jacks are vying to be England’s second spinner for the Ashes, with Liam Dawson omitted.
Rain is getting heavier
Unfortunately the rain is getting heavier, and the covers are being spread around the ground more. The forecast is pretty grim for the next few hours; we’ll need the showers to dodge us – which does happen here on the coast – if we are to get any cricket at all.
Afternoon from Malahide
We have a delayed start unfortunately, due to some showers. There’s an inspection due at 1:30. But the covers have just come back on again, so we face a fight to get cricket. It’s raining very lightly though; England’s players are happily playing football on the outfield.
Toss delayed by rain
Having been taken off the ground earlier today, the covers are going back on. The toss hasn’t even taken place yet.
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