Players and spectators alike were left frustrated as rain delayed the start of the third npower Ashes Test at Edgbaston.

Despite groundstaff working through the night and the ground being bathed in sunshine this morning, the effect of yesterday’s torrential rain forced umpires Rudi Koertzen and Aleem Dar to delay the toss.

An 11am pitch inspection was scuppered by the sort of downpour which has afflicted large parts of the country in recent days, and, after they surveyed the scene at noon, the umpires announced lunch will be taken at 12.50pm.

Although the rain relented and a further inspection took place at 2pm, the wet outfield ruled out the prospect of any immediate play.

As the covers were removed, Koertzen revealed that they will inspect the pitch and outfield once more at 3.30pm.