LONDON: Rain completely washed out the first day of the second Test between England and India at Lord’s on Thursday. England lead the series 1-0 after a thrilling 31-run victory at Edgbaston. Steady rain forced the covers to be on all day and although a spell of dry weather in mid-afternoon raised hopes of some play, the bad weather returned to ensure a frustrating day for both teams. There has been no toss and neither side has named a team. Twenty-year-old batsman Ollie Pope is expected to be given his England debut at number four after replacing Dawid Malan in the squad. Thursday was the first time a full day’s play has been lost at Lord’s since the opening day of the first Test against Pakistan in 2001. Published in Daily Times, August 10th 2018.