Associated Press

Manchester, June 24:

Persistent rain on Thursday delayed the start of a one-dayer between England and New Zealand, the opening contest of the triangular series. Umpires Daryl Harper of Australia and David Shepherd of England were kept indoors at Old Trafford by grey skies and heavy showers, which ensured there would be no play. The Kiwis face the West Indies on Saturday as part of the series. Despite the delay, there was good news for the England camp as key batsman Marcus Trescothick was passed fit after recovering from a twisted ankle. New Zealand was boosted by the presence of Daniel Vettori in its 12.