LONDON: The first day of the third and decisive test between England and South Africa at The oval was washed away by rain on Thursday without it being possible to play.
England won the toss and put South Africa on the bat only for a shower to sweep away and end the proceedings minutes before the players took to the field.
A frustrating day of intermittent coverage followed before an official announcement was made at 15:45 GMT saying no play would be possible.
More rain is forecast for London on Friday, although the outlook for the weekend looks brighter.
The series is level 1-1, with both tests ending in three days. South Africa won the first by one set and 12 runs at Lord’s only to be hammered by one set and 85 runs in the second at Old Trafford.
England have brought in rookie batsman Harry Brook to replace Jonny Bairstow, who suffered a serious leg injury while playing golf last week.
Brook has averaged 107 in first-class cricket this season and scored 140 in the England Lions’ non-first-class game against South Africa before the series started.
South Africa, who lost Rassie van der Dussen with a fractured finger and Lungi Ngidi as a precaution, made four changes from the second try.
Ryan Rickelton, Khaya Zondo, Wiaan Mulder and Marc Jansen are inside, with Aiden Markram and Simon Harmer the others to make room.
England won the toss and put South Africa on the bat only for a shower to sweep away and end the proceedings minutes before the players took to the field.
A frustrating day of intermittent coverage followed before an official announcement was made at 15:45 GMT saying no play would be possible.
More rain is forecast for London on Friday, although the outlook for the weekend looks brighter.
The series is level 1-1, with both tests ending in three days. South Africa won the first by one set and 12 runs at Lord’s only to be hammered by one set and 85 runs in the second at Old Trafford.
England have brought in rookie batsman Harry Brook to replace Jonny Bairstow, who suffered a serious leg injury while playing golf last week.
Brook has averaged 107 in first-class cricket this season and scored 140 in the England Lions’ non-first-class game against South Africa before the series started.
South Africa, who lost Rassie van der Dussen with a fractured finger and Lungi Ngidi as a precaution, made four changes from the second try.
Ryan Rickelton, Khaya Zondo, Wiaan Mulder and Marc Jansen are inside, with Aiden Markram and Simon Harmer the others to make room.