England’s new boys appeared destined for short debuts after rain swept in and interrupted proceedings with just 17.2 overs bowled.

Ireland had struggled to 56 for four by then and there was a maiden wicket each for Mark Wood and David Willey.

The hosts lost Paul Stirling first, run-out by a direct hit from wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow, as the opener failed to make it to the non-striker's end for a leg-bye single.

Captain William Porterfield then chopped on to the pace of Wood and Niall O'Brien edged Tim Bresnan to James Vince at first slip.

Andrew Balbirnie went to drive left-armer Willey but was very well held at second slip by Jason Roy, also a debutant in this format.

Play had continued through half-an-hour of rain but it soon became too heavy to continue though.

It did not relent into the afternoon either, with nothing in Friday’s forecast to suggest there would be any further play as the majority of a near 10,000 sell-out began to accept the inevitable.

Shortly after an inspection at 3pm there was an official announcement that the ODi was called off.