Third one-day international between England and Australia abandoned

The view of Edgbaston at lunch-time (GETTY IMAGES)

England will have to wait for their chance to go top of the world one-day international rankings after a frustrating washout against Australia at Edgbaston.

Several times over today, it seemed as if the third NatWest Series match might be about to get under way - albeit in a shortened format - only for rain to dash plans.

Finally, at 6.10pm umpires Aleem Dar and Rob Bailey announced an abandonment which leaves England 2-0 up with two to play.

They can no longer therefore complete the 5-0 series whitewash they need to depose Australia at number one in the International Cricket Council rankings, and become the first team to top the table in all three formats.