Wet weather helps England maintain unbeaten record

THE unpredictable weather ensured England head into the Ashes unbeaten this year after the final day’s play of the fourth Test against India was rained off at The Oval.

Incessant morning rain prevent play starting at the scheduled time of 11am, with England resuming on 114 without loss a lead of 121.

Chances of a positive result in this match were already slim after India closed to within seven runs of England's first innings 515.

After a further inspection by umpires Asoka de Silva and David Orchard, play was abandoned with heavy rain still pouring and surface water over large areas of the playing surface.

It leaves England unbeaten in the three series they have played against New Zealand, Sri Lanka and India this year as they prepare to announce the 17-man squad for the Ashes tour at Lord's tomorrow.

It was the first Test match day's play to be completely washed out at The Oval since July 26 1980 against the West Indies.