So, the first ODI comes to an end then. Not the way we would have wanted the first of many, many ODIs in England this summer to end but nevertheless, we will return with better expectations for the next match! The second game of the series will be played at the Rose Bowl in Southampton on the 11th of May, Saturday! See you for the same. Till then, it is goodbye from us! Cheers.

In the minimal action we saw today, Eoin Morgan won the toss and put Pakistan into bat in a game that had its start delayed by more than an hour. The game began and all was going well, at least in terms of having an uninterrupted game for the first hour and more. Pakistan did not have the best of starts and lost Fakhar Zaman early in their innings. Babar Azam, who walked out at number 3, looked good for a bit but fell just when a partnership was building. Haris Sohail was batting along with Imam-ul-Haq in the middle when the rain started pouring. After the first break, the 47-over contest was further reduced to a 41-over contest. Post the second resumption, just 14 balls were bowled when the heavens opened. And that was the last bit of action that was meant to take place!

Bad, bad news! We will not be having anymore cricketing action in this game as the game has been CALLED OFF. The umpires did not feel that the wet, soggy patches in the outfield could be dried in time i.e. by 1945 local which was the cut-off time. Hence, they have decided that's that! The two teams shake hands in the dressing room balcony and bring an end to a really dull, glum start to the series building up to the World Cup.

Update 1906 local - Oh no! We were meant to resume action at 1900 local but there is an issue with one particular area on the outfield. The umpires are out there and having a discussion on what must be done. We have about just under 40 minutes for the game to resume or else it will be all over for this match.

Update 1855 local - The umpires have done their inspection and what we are hearing is that the resumption should be according to what was planned i.e at 1900 local, in about 5 minutes from now. And hopefully the rain does not show up this time post the resumption. It is sunny as of now.

Update 1815 local - The umpires get out to inspect the conditions and have decided to have another look in 25 minutes. If everything is fine, we will have resumption at 1900 local. Let's keep our fingers crossed...

Update 1720 local - It has stopped raining out there and the sun is slightly peeping out. The heavy rain though means some work needs to be done to dry out the field to get it ready for play. Don't be too fooled by the sun coming out though, it has played hide and seek all day. Let's hope the rain has gone away once and for all. Meanwhile, the news is that there will be an inspection at 1800 local!

Update 1643 local - The rain is a steady one now and the full square covers are on. In for another significant delay most likely. Stay tuned and let's stay hopeful..

Update 1625 local - Umbrellas are up again. The sun has disappeared. The players are leaving the field. It has not started to rain yet, just a very slight drizzle but we are off, maybe in anticipation. Hover cover is placed near the pitch. Thus, another stoppage but by the looks of it, this one should not be too long. Hope play resumes real soon, stay tuned for updates...

Time for some delicious leg spin. Adil Rashid is introduced into the attack from this end, replacing Joe Root. A slip is in place...

Ben Stokes is back into the attack with the Oval bathed in sunshine.