Rain Delays England-Pakistan 1st ODI Start

Chester-le-street: Heavy rain delayed the start of the first one-day international between England and Pakistan at Chester-le-Street on Friday.

Covers were still in place on the pitch at the scheduled 0915 GMT start following overnight and morning rain.

The weather is expected to improve throughout the day and a favourable forecast gives hope that the match could be played to a conclusion.

The delay didn't take the spotlight off Pakistan after the news that Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer are to fly back home on Friday.

The three players have been charged and suspended by the International Cricket Council under the world governing body's anti-corruption code following newspaper allegations of a betting scam that saw no-balls deliberately bowled in the fourth Test against England at Lord's last month.

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West Indies vs England - 3rd T20I South Africa vs India - 4th T20I 2nd T20I - Australia v Pakistan - November 16, 08:00 GMT 4th T20I - West Indies v England - November 16, 20:00 GMT 1st T20I - Australia v Pakistan at Brisbane Australia won by 29 runs 3rd T20I - South Africa v India at Centurion India won by 11 runs

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