Overs reduced in third England-Australia ODI

BIRMINGHAM: Rain has reduced the third one-day international between England and Australia here Wednesday to 28 overs per side starting at 6pm (1700GMT), provided there are no further weather interruptions.

The match was due to be played over the full 50 overs per side but overnight rain coupled with fresh bursts on Wednesday prevented the match getting underway at the scheduled start time of 2pm local time (1300GMT).

Experienced Pakistan umpire Aleem Dar and his English colleague Rob Bailey held several inspections of the Edgbaston pitch and outfield before announcing the reduction in overs.

A minimum of 20 overs per side are required in order to constitute a match and the latest time such a match can start is shortly after 7pm (1800GMT).

Victory for England would give them an unassailable 3-0 lead in this five-match series after 15-run and six-wicket wins in London at Lord's and The Oval respectively.

And a 5-0 clean sweep would see England replace Australia at the head of the 50-over world rankings and so top the standings in all three formats, with the side already number one in Test and Twenty20 cricket. (AFP)