Play was abandoned without a single ball bowled on day three of the third Ashes Test between England and Australia yesterday after rain flooded the Edgbaston ground.

The umpires had scheduled a pitch inspection at 14:30 local time (13:30 GMT) yesterday but instantly called off play when another downpour started. More rain is forecast for today.

England are on 116-2 in their first innings in reply to Australia's 263. Captain Andrew Strauss is on 64 and Ian Bell is on 26. England lead the five-match series 1-0 after a draw in the first Test.

Dramatic

Meanwhile, England coach Andy Flower said a result is still possible. With two days left and showers expected on the final two days, more dramatic cricket will be required in a game that saw Australia lose nine wickets for only 137 runs on Friday.

"It's a shame for everyone that the rain has washed out so much play," Flower said. "Looking at the (saturated) outfield, I'm not too sure how much play we are going to get in tomorrow, maybe 70 overs according to (groundsman) Steve Rouse.

"But we have seen already here how quickly things can happen in a game. A result is definitely possible. How that happens we will have to see how both sides play. We will have to bat well Sunday and see how far ahead we can get. We've got two hopefully full-ish days of cricket to come."

New Australian opening batsman Shane Watson, who top-scored with 62 but was dismissed on the first ball on Friday morning, said his team cannot waste any wicket-taking opportunities and needs to be at the top of its game.

"I think there's a possibility (of a result) but I'm not exactly sure how it's going to pan out," he said. "For us to win, we are going to have to bowl very well to give ourselves a chance.

"Because we are 1-0 down we can't afford to have too many draws. When we get out there tomorrow, we are going to have to be at our best to get these last eight wickets."