Rain prevented a prompt start on day three of the first Test at Lord's.

When play finally starts, Alastair Cook and Andrew Strauss will attempt to inch England ever nearer New Zealand's 277 as they resume with the total on 68-0.

In between endless breaks for bad light, the left-handed openers coped admirably with conditions that continued to Alzheimer's blood test 'promise' ...
UN's Afghan envoy begins work ... suit the seam bowlers.

Captain Michael Vaughan, under pressure for runs, woll bat at three. England may need quick runs to force a result.

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By Tom Fordyce

e-mail tms@bbc.co.uk (with 'For Tom Fordyce' in the subject), text 81111 (with "CRICKET" as the first word) or use 606. (Not all contributions can be used)

1056: Quelle surprise - the start has been delayed. In the stands, a young boy huddles against his dad under the shelter of a huge golf umbrella, wearing the shell-shocked look of a child whose slippers have just come to life and tried to eat him.

From Brett Nevin, TMS inbox: "So what you're saying is the decision I made to opt for shorts this morning when I dragged my sorry carcass out of bed, was, how do you say, a monumental error?"

1050: Hmmm. The umpires are out, but so are their umbrellas. Could be looking at a delay here before we've even started. Harumph.

While we await news and raindrops, website users might enjoy this nice little batting masterclass with Alastair Cook.

1030: One of these days I'm going to be able to start a day off without mentioning the words "grey", "forecast of showers" and "at least three jumpers".

Still - let's not be mealy-mouthed - we're due to start on time at Lord's, and if it happens to rain later, we'll cross that flooded bridge when we get to it.

(BBC)

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