Washout prevents Test play at Lord’s

LORD’S suffered its first washout in 17 years yesterday after rain prevented any play between England and India on day one of the second Specsavers Test. Bad weather set in and never cleared, allowing no opportunity even for the toss and announcement of teams to take place. It was hoped a forecast improvement would come in time to get under way after tea, but the rain continued — and umpires Marais Erasmus and Aleem Dar announced at 4.50pm that there would be no play. It is the first time a whole Test match day has been lost to the weather at the Home of Cricket since May 2001, against Pakistan. The last washout in England was across the capital at The Oval, on day four in the 2013 Ashes. England lead the five-match series against India 1-0 after their thrilling 31-run win at Edgbaston last weekend.