Rain washes out first day Test

By Vic Mills

LONDON (JP): To the disappointment of a full house at Lord's, persistent rain led to a washout of the first day's play in the second cricket Test between England and Australia at Lord's.

Heavy overnight rain accompanied by thundery showers throughout the day left the umpires with no option but to abandon the day's play.

The weather marred what was to be a day of celebration for England captain Michael Atherton who, by leading his country for the 42nd time, was set to break the record of the late Peter May which has stood for 36 years.

With more rain expected tomorrow, the likelihood is that England will field the same XI that won so convincingly by nine wickets at Edgbaston.

The one possible change, that of left-arm spinner Phillip Tufnell for last bowler Devon Malcolm, has now been ruled out by the weather and the prospect, when play does get underway, of a wet outfield and greasy ball.

Injuries to Jason Gillespie and Andy Bichel, the latter forced to return home, has seen a recall to the green and gold of Victorian medium pacer, Paul Reiffel. Disappointed to be left out of the original party of 17 named in April, Reiffel, an accomplished bowler in English conditions, will play at Lord's.

As the teams made their final preparations for the game, Michael Atherton urged the England fans to be more sporting in their attitude toward the tourists. While delighted with the support his side received, the England skipper deplored the way the Australians were booed in the first Test.

"I loved the support they gave us at Edgbaston," he said.

"On the first morning, when we were bowling the Australians out for 118, on the fourth afternoon when Devon Malcolm was bowling really fast and on the fourth evening when we were trying to wrap the match up quickly, it was important to us."

"But also I hope that if the Australians produce a good piece of cricket they will get applause too."

"I think the crowd ought to remember that when the Australians come here they try harder, because they think it may be their only Test at Lord's."

"It may also be the last time the spectators see Mark Waugh or Steve Waugh and they should enjoy them while they can."

With a day lost to the weather, the likely outcome to this second Test is a draw. But history is on the side of the tourists. England have recorded just one win this century over Australia at Lord's and that was in 1934. In the intervening 63 years the tourists have won seven and drawn seven.