Opening day of 2nd Ashes test a washout; Archer to debut
LONDON (AP) - The opening day of the second Ashes test at Lord's was abandoned because of rain on Wednesday, although it eased just long enough for England fast bowler Jofra Archer to receive his test cap in a ceremony in the middle of the field.
That indicated Archer will make his test debut when play gets underway. Archer will replace James Anderson, as England's leading wicket-taker was injured.
Australia was set to make at least one change to its fast bowling attack at Lord's, with James Pattinson rested and Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood brought into the tourists' 12-man squad.
The rain even prevented the toss being held. The forecast is much better on Thursday. With the test reduced to four days with time added on daily, the follow-on will be 150 runs.
Umpires were hoping to have a pitch inspection at 11 a.m. local time (1000 GMT) but were foiled by the rain and later set the toss for 3 p.m. local (1400 GMT) before the rain returned again and covers were brought back on.
Australia leads the five-test series 1-0 after a 251-run win at Edgbaston in Birmingham.
Australia's Usman Khawaja, centre walks to the indoor training area as rain falls on day one of the 2nd Ashes Test cricket match between England and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019. Rain is forecast for much of the day in London. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
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England's Jason Roy looks out from the England team balcony as rain delays play on day one of the 2nd Ashes Test cricket match between England and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
Australia's Nathan Lyon, left walks off the pitch after speaking to the 4th umpire Alex Wharf as rain delays play on day one of the 2nd Ashes Test cricket match between England and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019. Rain is forecast for much of the day in London. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
England's Joe Root walks across the pitch towards the indoor practice area on day one of the 2nd Ashes Test cricket match between England and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019. Rain is forecast for much of the day in London. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
The umpires com out from the pavilion to inspect the pitch with the wicket covered to protect it from rain on day one of the 2nd Ashes Test cricket match between England and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019. Rain is forecast fro much of the day in London. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
A spectator holds his umbrella as he looks for his seat as rain falls on day one of the 2nd Ashes Test cricket match between England and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019. rain is forecast for much of the day in London. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
England's bowlers Jofra Archer, right and Jack Leach talks as they take part in training session at Lord's cricket ground in London, Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2019. The second Ashes cricket test starts Wednesday at Lord's. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
Australia's Mitchell Starc, left speaks to Australia's Josh Hazelwood as they walks from the pitch as rain delays play on day one of the 2nd Ashes Test cricket match between England and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
