Rain ruins first ODI in Cardiff
August 24, 2012 16:38:32 UK
Ian Bell (left) raced to 26 not out before rain ended play in Cardiff.Rain was the winner as the first one-day international between England and South Africa in Cardiff was abandoned as a draw.
England had reached 37-0 after 5.3 overs had been bowled in South Wales, in what had already been a game reduced to a 24-over encounter, when the bad weather returned.
South Africa had won the toss and elected to field but play only started in mid-afternoon. When play initially started, only one ball - a wide - was bowled, before the rain resumed. Ian Bell hit two sixes in his 26 not out from 18 balls when play got underway again before play was finally called off for the day.
The "no result" means England remain above the Proteas at the top of the International Cricket Council's one-day rankings table.
The second game of the five-match series is scheduled to take place at Southampton on Tuesday. England are 2.00 to win the match while South Africa can be backed at 1.001.
South Africa started with Wayne Parnell in their side in place of the rested Dale Steyn, while England included Chris Woakes rather than Stuart Broad. England also welcomed back Ravi Bopara who took the place of Jonny Bairstow in Cardiff.
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