Rain frustrates Originals and Spirit after Buttler's fireworks
England captain hits 62 off 36 balls between showers in shortened match
England captain hits 62 off 36 balls between showers in shortened match
Scorer: Sudeep Poojar | Commentator: Ekanth
The women's game between Birmingham Phoenix and Trent Rockets was washed out without a ball being bowled. Here's hoping that the men's game will turn out better.
4:56pm: Not too soon after that, the game has been abandoned. This is the third washout of the day which is a shame. The game was shaping up well with Buttler smacking 62, Holden and Turner chipping in with bat before Bopara broke momentum. But with the wet outfield, coming back on was a tall ask. In the end, it was too much.
James: "Any update?" Nope. At 4:53pm local, only one thing is certain - time is running out quickly.
The worry with this stoppage, the second of the match so far, is that balls are likely to reduce. So there is the possibility of the break signalling the end of the innings. Let's hope things change and action resumes quickly.
Ravi Bopara says it's very wet. The wicket's okay but the outfield being wet is making the ball slip. He thinks it's a good score. Says it's a good pitch and they've played well. (On the knuckle ball to Buttler) Says it took two years to practice. That the ball isn't held properly but he gained confidence from bowlers and baseball pitchers doing it. Says he didn't even factor in Buttler's form and how well he was hitting when he got him out. He focused on bowling in the right areas. Says clouds are building up on the back, and that he's not sure how much the outfield will take.
4:24pm: There are discussions between Lawrence and the umpire. The bowler, Thompson, and fielders walk around too. They're told to keep going. A few seconds later, however, they will walk off. Hover cover back on.
There's some drizzle and the ball's getting slippery. They'll stay out for now
Ball change. Mel Jones has a cheeky dig about the ball change at the Oval in the Ashes. There are new developments from there. Check it out
England captain hits 62 off 36 balls between showers in shortened match