The inevitable has happened and this match has been abandoned. The rain has won here in Guwahati, it came just before the start of the game and did not show any mercy on us. India and England both will be a bit disappointed as this was a good opportunity to test themselves against quality opposition before taking the main stage. However, both teams have another warm-up game scheduled for themselves as the Englishmen take on Bangladesh on 2nd October, Monday at 2 pm IST (8.30 am GMT) while the hosts go up against Netherlands on 3rd October, Tuesday at 2 pm IST (8.30 am GMT), but you can join us early for build-up to both the games. Until then, cheers and goodbye!

UPDATE - 4.48 pm IST (11.18 am GMT) - There is no real update from the ground as the covers are still firmly in place and it is drizzling as well. The waiting game continues...However, more good news from the Asian Games as India defeated World Champions China in the Table Tennis Women's Doubles Quarter-Final and confirmed a first-ever medal in this event.

UPDATE - 3:58 pm IST (10:28 am GMT) - The cut-off time for a contest is 7:30 pm IST (2:00 pm GMT). The rain has returned and things look glum at the moment. Stay tuned for more updates.

UPDATE - 3.27 pm IST (9.57 am GMT) - We have some positive news as the rain has stopped and the dark clouds are clearing up. A huge update is coming from the Asian Games as India has beaten Pakistan in a riveting Men's team Squash Finals and clinches a historic gold medal. Stick with us here for more news.

UPDATE - 3:00 pm IST (9:30 am GMT) - The rain is still there and so are the covers. In the meantime, you can tune in to watch some of India's matches currently live at the Asian Games. India is going up against Pakistan in the Men's team Squash Finals. India is also taking on South Korea in the Men's team Semi-Finals of Badminton. Stay with us here too for more updates.

UPDATE - 2:35 pm IST (9:05 am GMT) - Some good news from the ground. The thunderstorm has settled in but it is still raining. Hope we get to see play start soon. Stay tuned for more updates.

UPDATE - 2.27 pm IST (8.57 am GMT) - The word from the England hut is that Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes have been rested for this game. Also, it is still bucketing down in Guwahati and there is some lightning as well. Things look bleak at the moment but all we can do is hope that we get to see some action. Stick with us for more news.

Oh..no! Just when we were about to get going, the rain came out of nowhere and the covers are coming on at the moment. It is absolutely pouring down now but the ground staff have done well to cover the ground quickly. Stay with us for further updates.

Mark Wood says that it is hot and that they have only been here two days but feeling the full effects of it already. A bit rainier than he expected. Adds that they have to adapt to conditions as they go and are all excited. The games are just about building up to the opening game to and he wants to be ready for that one.

Ravichandran Ashwin is up for a chat. He says that life is full of surprises and honestly he didn't think that he would be here. Adds that the trust that the management has shown and the circumstances have made it possible. Jokingly says that he told the media guy to not put him in front of the camera but when he heard DK is interviewing, he changed his mind. Mentions that all you can do is turn the ball both ways and he believes has that ability. Tells that it is all about handling pressure in these big tournaments and possibly this could be his last for India and will try to enjoy himself.

Jos Buttler says that it is great to be in India and is excited for the World Cup. He says they have had a long travel so they'll take things easy. He adds that there is a lot of experience in the team and are preparing well for this match. He mentions that he wants his players to be accustomed to the conditions.

Rohit Sharma says that they will bat first. Adds that no particular reason but it is really hot here so want to look after our bowlers and make them bowl under lights. Tells that it is a formality that they are trying to do as they have played 7-8 games with intensity. Says that they want to go through the moments and see what they can achieve while looking after the players and keeping them fresh for the first game.

India - Rohit Sharma (C), Ishan Kishan, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah.

England - Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (C/ WK), Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, David Willey, Adil Rashid, Gus Atkinson, Reece Topley, Mark Wood.

TOSS - The captains are out in the middle. The coin is flipped into the air and lands in favor of India. They have elected to BAT first.