Birmingham: Rain washed out third day's play in the third Ashes Test between England and Australia at Edgbaston on Saturday.

Umpires Rudi Koertzen and Aleem Dar conducted a series of field inspections throughout the day, but persistent afternoon rain prompted play to be officially cancelled at 2.40pm. Having lost five sessions of play across the first three days, and with more rain forecast for Monday, the chances of a result in the third Test are remote. Sunny periods are, however, predicted for Sunday.

Persistent overnight and early morning rain mean the pitch and square were fully covered when the game, which had already been affected by bad weather, should have been getting underway.

England, 1-0 up in the five-match series after their 115 run second Test victory at Lord's, were 116 for two in reply to Australia's first innings 263 - a deficit of 147.