England and South Africa have been thwarted by persistent showers on the Kia Oval because the opening day of the third LV= Insurance coverage Check was washed out.
There was loads of anticipation for this rubber match after the perimeters traded innings wins however following a short delay due to in a single day rain, Ben Stokes gained the toss and elected to bowl first.
It proved to be a false daybreak, nonetheless, because the heavens opened simply earlier than the rearranged begin time, setting the tone for a irritating wet day.
Whereas there have been dry interludes, a few umpires’ inspections of the pitch got here and went with out the prospect of play and any hope of some motion on Thursday was formally deserted at 4.45pm.
Debutant Harry Brook, who was introduced along with his maiden Check cap by Yorkshire team-mate Joe Root, should subsequently wait to take the sector having been named 24 hours earlier because the substitute for the injured Jonny Bairstow in England’s solely change from their victory at Emirates Previous Trafford final day trip.
James Anderson, in the meantime, was introduced with a particular cap by former England batter Marcus Trescothick to commemorate his one hundred and seventy fifth Check look.
South Africa made a raft of modifications, bringing in batters Ryan Rickelton and Khaya Zondo for the injured Rassie van der Dussen and out-of-form Aiden Markram, whereas all-rounder Wiaan Mulder and left-arm fast Marco Jansen changed spinner Simon Harmer and seamer Lungi Ngidi, who was dominated out with a niggle.
