Start of England vs West Indies third ODI delayed after visitors stuck in traffic

The home players were forced to use Lime bikes to make their way to the Oval

England were forced to use lime bikes to make their way to the ground (Action Images via Reuters)

The start of the third one-day international between England and the West Indies was delayed after the tourists hit traffic on their way to the Oval.

England enter the final match of the 50-over series looking to secure a clean sweep after a comfortable win at Edgbaston was followed by a fine chase led by Joe Root at Cardiff.

The toss in south London, however, did not take place as scheduled at 12.30pm BST ahead of a 1pm start with the West Indies yet to arrive at the ground having encountered heavy traffic, seemingly due to a road closure, north of the River Thames.

A statement from the ECB confirmed: “Due to a delayed arrival of one of the playing teams, who are stuck in heavy traffic north of the river, the scheduled start of play will be delayed.

“Once all members of the playing teams arrive, the match officials will coordinate updated timings and discuss any impact on the schedule of play.

“We will update spectators with the schedule of play as soon as we are able to.”

Some of England’s squad were forced to temporarily rent Lime bikes to make their way to the venue.

A toss was eventually conducted for 1.10pm, allowing play to commence at 1.30pm - though spectators could be in for a frustrating day with rain showers forecast. England captain Harry Brook elected to bowl after the coin fell his way.

The two teams will contest a three-match Twenty20 series after the conclusion of the 50-over leg of the tour, with the short-format clashes beginning on Friday.