First day146;s play washed away

The first day of the fourth and final cricket Test match between England and West Indies was abandoned without a ball being bowled because of rain at the Riverside here today.

Umpires Billy Bowden of New Zealand and Aleem Dar of Pakistan called the game off for the day following an inspection at 12.30 pm local time 1700 IST.

Heavy rain on Friday morning meant the pitch and square were all fully covered, with the toss not taking place as players waited in the pavilion.

England have already won the series, going 2-0 up with one to play after their 60-run win at Old Trafford.