One of the most highly-anticipated clashes – Australia versus England – of the Super 12 in the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 was washed out due to rain without a ball being bowled at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). As a result, England and Australia will share points from the washout.

The toss, scheduled at 6:30 pm Melbourne time, was delayed ahead of an inspection at 7:30 pm local time. There were hopes that a truncated match would take place as the covers were taken off, with fans expecting an exciting clash.

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However, with players safety set as a priority and the outfield being visibly damp, umpires Chris Brown, Joel Wilson and Aleem Dar called for another inspection at 8:15 pm. The conditions did not change much, before a third inspection was later scheduled.

But just 20 minutes before the scheduled inspection, it started raining again and eventually, the match was called off as captains Aaron Finch and Jos Buttler shook hands. Australia and England were awarded one point each as they join table-toppers New Zealand and second-placed Ireland on three points in Group 1.

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“The outfield was drenched, it was as wet as I have ever seen it. I think the run-ups were an issue and the inner circle. It comes down to player safety. If you are trying to run out there, it was going to be a real issue,” said Australia’s captain Finch.

England’s next match in the tournament is against New Zealand at The Gabba in Brisbane, while Australia take one Ireland at the same venue.

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