Cricket World Cup 2019: India vs New Zealand the latest game to be abandoned due to adverse weather

Four games have already been called off because of rain, a new World Cup record

The rain that has blighted the last week of the World Cup was once again to blame for another abandonment as India and New Zealand shared the spoils following a Trent Bridge washout.

This tournament has already set a new World Cup record for games called off, which extended to four in the space of seven days as intermittent rain and a sodden outfield conspired to frustrate those in attendance.

Any hope of play receded as the day progressed but it was not until 3pm - four and a half hours after the scheduled start time - that the teams, who each took a point, shook hands.

Heavy clouds hung in the air when the toss was scheduled to take place at 10am but the sheer volume of rain in the preceding 24 hours meant a 10.30am pitch inspection and a delayed start.

Regular showers hindered the ground staff's tireless efforts as further inspections were called on an hourly basis until 2.30pm, when it was announced the umpires would survey the scene half an hour later.

But any raised hopes of action were quickly extinguished by yet more rain fall as the match was called off.

New Zealand remain top of the group stage table on seven points, with India, on five, moving up to third.

India captain Virat Kohli: "The outfield was not suitable for play, especially as it’s so early in the tournament you don’t want an injury at this stage. It’s unfortunate, you cannot control the weather but a point isn’t bad at this stage given we already have two wins."

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson: "Obviously you turn up hoping to compete for two points but we've been here for four days and not seen any sun so it's no surprise.

"They will get some sun at some point but not on our trip here.

"With training indoors you just try and get what you need out of it. It's not ideal but having a bit of time off is also important in these competitions.

"We have a break now, which is interesting at this point in the tournament but it's a good chance for guys to freshen up and look forward to our next challenge.

"South Africa are a very good side and every time we play them it's extremely competitive. This is a good opportunity for us to get away, refresh and have a couple of training sessions before that challenge."

PA