A spectator reads a paper during a rain delay at the Ireland v Australia ODI in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on June 23. Rain delayed the scheduled 1.30pm local time (1230GMT) toss and 2pm (1300GMT) start in the fifth one-day international between England and Australia at Old Trafford in Manchester on Tuesday.
©AFP/File - Peter Muhly

MANCHESTER, England (AFP) - Rain delayed the scheduled 1.30pm local time (1230GMT) toss and 2pm (1300GMT) start in the fifth one-day international between England and Australia at Old Trafford here on Tuesday.

Heavy overnight and early morning rain, allied to drizzle ensured the pitch and square remained fully covered when the toss for this day/night fixture should have been taking place.

England already have a series-winning 3-0 lead following their eight-wicket win at Chester-le-Street, the home of north-east county Durham, on Saturday.

But the fact last Wednesday's third ODI at Edgbaston was washed out completely denied England the chance of a 5-0 clean sweep that would have seen them replace number one Australia at the top of the 50-over world rankings.