England's highly-anticipated T20 World Cup fixture against Australia in Melbourne has been abandoned without a ball being bowled.
Earlier this week, England suffered a five-run defeat to Ireland via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method, a consequence of a late deluge over the MCG.
With the forecast remaining bleak, there was always a fear that the weather could heavily influence Friday's fixture, particularly when the preceding game at the same ground between Ireland and Afghanistan was washed out.
After a delayed start, an inspection was planned for what had been scheduled to be the midway point of the game, 55 minutes before the final cut-off point.
However, it was clear that even a five-over match - the minimum required - would be unable to take place, leaving the umpires with the routine decision of abandoning the game.
It isn't looking good at the MCG, but there'll be another inspection at 10:50am UK time ⏰ pic.twitter.com/UPwOx5MSKn
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) October 28, 2022
Despite the natural disappointment, there is an argument that both teams may be happy to settle for a point apiece, aware that defeat would have likely resulted in their exit from the competition.
As a result of the double cancellation on Friday, New Zealand, England, Ireland and Australia are all locked on three points in Group 1, although New Zealand have a game in hand against Sri Lanka.
If New Zealand prevail from that fixture, they will be on the brink of qualification, helped by their net-run-rate being significantly better than their rivals.
From England's perspective, they will still likely have to defeat New Zealand on Tuesday to avoid elimination from the tournament before the semi-finals.
Although Australia are fourth and possess an inferior net-run-rate, their final two fixtures are against Ireland and Afghanistan, opponents that they will expect to beat on home territory.
Darren Plant
