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.

Scores	Upcoming	Results
South Africa vs Pakistan - 3rd ODI 4th Test - Australia v India - December 26-30, 23:30 GMT 1st Test - Zimbabwe v Afghanistan - December 26-30, 07:30 GMT 3rd ODI - Zimbabwe v Afghanistan at Harare Afghanistan won by 8 wickets (with 139 balls remaining) 3rd T20I - West Indies v Bangladesh at St Vincent Bangladesh won by 80 runs

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