Good morning and welcome to Sports Mole's live commentary of the fifth one-day international between England and Australia at Old Trafford.
England lead the series 3-0 with just today's match remaining, and Alastair Cook's team will be eager to secure a whitewash victory after one match having been abandoned due to bad weather.
Australia will be looking to restore some pride before they travel back home but are without Brett Lee and Shane Watson, who have both left the country early due to calf injuries.
There has been plenty of rain around the Old Trafford area but play is expected to start at some point this afternoon.
ENG 138-3That's all from us tonight but there is more cricket commentary from Sports Mole next week as England begin their Test series against South Africa. Thanks for joining me throughout another rain-delayed match and for following the coverage throughout this series.
ENG 138-3So that's the end of this series and England move to third in the ICC ODI rankings, only weather preventing them from possibly moving to first. The hosts have dominated this series throughout and Australia will leave England with much to ponder about their limited-overs team.
ENG 138-3England win by seven wickets Morgan finishes the match with the first ball of Hilfenhaus's over. It's another comfortable victory for England and that secures a 4-0 series triumph for Alastair Cook's men.
ENG 137-3With three overs remaining, England are forced to take their batting powerplay with only eight runs needed for the win. McKay is back to bowl again and Bopara immediately gives Morgan the strike with a single. Another single from Morgan rotates the strike again and Bopara looks to have survived an lbw appeal but Australia choose to review the decision. Hawkeye shows the ball would have just clipped the stump so the decision remains not out. Morgan looks eager to end the match quickly but a wide ball is sent down the leg side by McKay. Morgan launches one high into the sky but the ball plugs into the ground and the batsmen run three to move within a single of victory.
ENG 130-3Wicket Hilfenhaus does get a wicket as he finds Cook's outside edge and Clarke makes no mistake with the catch at slip. The England skipper goes for 58 and is replaced by Eoin Morgan, who proceeds to drive his first ball through the covers for four runs.
ENG 126-2Hilfenhaus is back and his figures don't look too bad really. Cook has a stroke of luck as he loops one into the air but luckily no fielders can reach the ball and he takes two runs.
ENG 123-2England are edging closer to victory with only 15 runs needed to secure a 4-0 series triumph.
ENG 123-2Wicket Bopara is on top of his game now as he launches a short ball from Pattinson over mid wicket for another four runs. The boundary is followed by a fantastic drive through the covers, superb from Bopara. A single to third man gives Bopara his half century and that is a great knock from the Essex batsman.
ENG 114-2Doherty is back for a second spell and Cook immediately takes a single from the spinner. Big turn for Doherty as he beats Bopara's outside edge but it's a good reply from the England batsman as he drops down to one knee to sweep past deep fine leg to collect four runs. The same shot gives Bopara a single and Cook almost picks out Pattinson at deep mid on but adds two runs to his tally instead. Great fielding by Forrest in the deep prevents a certain boundary from Cook and it's 10 from the over.
ENG 104-2Pattinson is back on to bowl and Cook plays a rare false shot as he misses a drive outside off stump. Easy singles on offer for both players and England move past 100. Really good running between the wicket from this pairing.
ENG 98-2Cook really is turning into a quality one-day player and his captaincy has been superb in this series. Fine innings from the skipper.
ENG 98-2Fifty for Cook All too easy for England now as they rotate the strike throughout Smith's over, much to the spinner's frustration. A nudge to fine leg gives Cook his half century and it's six from the over.
ENG 92-2Bopara breaks his bat at the start of the new over from McKay and his new blade brings him two runs with a powerful drive to cover. Good slower from McKay but the England still manage to sneak a single. Three runs from the over.
ENG 89-2England have reached the 20 over point and that means that if more rain does come, we will still have a result based on the Duckworth/Lewis method.
ENG 89-2Steve Smith is going to try some leg spin for Australia now and he starts with a short ball but good fielding from Warner prevents any runs. Smith can't qute find a good length throughout the over but only three runs come from it.
ENG 86-2McKay is back for Australia but his first ball to Cook goes to the fine leg boundary for four runs. A single brings Bopara to the crease and he powerfully pulls a shot straight to fine leg to pick up a single. Six runs from McKay's over.
ENG 80-2England require 58 runs to win from 66 balls.
ENG 80-2Cook finds two runs from Pattinson's second ball and then punches a slightly short ball in front of square on the leg side for four runs and Australia are starting to struggle slightly now. Another single from Cook means it is seven from the over.
ENG 73-2Runs are coming easily for England as both Bopara and Cook play sweep shots to rotate the strike before Bopara then finds the boundary rope from the final ball.
ENG 64-2Clarke takes himself out of the attack and brings back Pattinson who has bowled quite well so far. Just the two runs from the over
ENG 62-2This pair look pretty good at the crease for England as they rotate the strike well to collect four runs from Doherty's over. Australia need a wicket soon.
ENG 58-2England reach 50 with two from Bopara as Clarke begins a new over and the Essex ace looks very good at the crease as he picks up another single on the off side. Cook copies his county teammate but pciks up three runs and Bopara then rocks back to cut in front of square for a boundary. Ten runs from the over.
ENG 48-2Dohery doesn't seem to be spinning the ball as much as Clarke but his line is good if not really threatening. More turn towards the end of the over but England take three from the over.
ENG 45-2England need 93 runs from 102 balls to win.
ENG 45-2Clarke continues but Cook looks comfortable as he takes a single from the second ball. Bopara looks his usual relaxed self at the crease as he pushes past cover for another run and it's just two singles from the over.
ENG 43-2Cook has now passed 2000 ODI runs in his career.
ENG 43-2Doherty does get his turn from the other end and Clarke will hope spin is the key for them now. Bopara pushes past point and quickly realises that two runs are possible, he collects another run from the next ball with a push to deep cover. Easy singles on offer for the England duo and Cook ends the over with three runs to fine leg.
ENG 35-2Ravi Bopara arrives at the crease as the new batsman and he is off the mark with the second ball he faces, two runs and a wicket from Clarke's first over.
ENG 34-2Wicket Clarke dismisses Trott as the England batsman misses a sweep and the ball turns nicely to hit the top of off stump. Great delivery from the Australian captain.
ENG 34-1Clarke is choosing to bring on spin for the first time but it will be himself instead of Xavier Doherty. It's a good start from the skipper with just a single from the first three balls.
ENG 33-1Hilfenhaus continues and he has bowled pretty well so far, a single is followed by four dot balls and a wide ball is the only other blemish to the over.
ENG 31-1Pattinson continues and he's finding a good line outside Cook's off stump. The first run comes from the fifth ball when Cook rushes through with a push into the off side. Trott spoils a good over as he pounces on a bit of width from Pattinson to cut past point for a boundary.
ENG 26-1Clarke has taken the bowling powerplay and Hilfenhaus will bowl from the Brian Statham end. Easy for Cook as he nudges one run to mid wicket and Hilfenhaus unleashes a sharp bouncer at Trott which the England batsman ducks safely. Good over from Hilfenhaus with just one single from it.
ENG 25-1Pattinson is to continue his over and Cook gets off strike immediately before the over finsihes with a dot ball.
ENG 24-1Four bowlers may now bowl 6 overs and 1 bowler can bowl five overs.
ENG 24-1We're back and it has been confirmed that England now need 138 to win.
ENG 24-1Cook and Trott are back out in the middle now, the powerplay periods are reduced to six overs, three overs and three overs.
ENG 24-1Play will start in two minutes with the innings only being 29 overs and England will chase 138 to win now.
ENG 24-1During that short delay we probably didn't lose more than three or four overs so it's now time to wait for England's revised target.
ENG 24-1The pitch cover has now been removed from the field of play so we shouldn't have to wait long now for more play.
ENG 24-1The rain has stopped! It looks like the delay won't last long and the players should be back out soon.
ENG 24-1Overs are being lost immediately due to the delay this afternoon so England will be set a revised target if they manage to come back out.
ENG 24-1The loner the delay lasts now means the less chance there will be of a result. Rain is currently falling quite persistently but the players can't be off for too long.
ENG 24-1Clarke finally takes his players off the pitch as the rain starts to fall slightly heavier now and we don't need this now.
ENG 24-1Remember, England need to bat for 20 overs for it to constitute a match and for Duckworth Lewis to come into the equation.
ENG 24-1Clarke is looking disappointed and his players haven't left the field yet despite Cook leading Trott off straight away.
ENG 24-1Pattinson is brought on for his first spell and the first runs aren't scored until the third ball as Cook takes advantage of a wide delivery to hit the ball in front of square for four runs. There's some rain in the air now, hopefully it's just a passing shower. The umpires discuss going off and they do.
ENG 20-1Decision OverturnedMcKay appeals for caught behind against Cook and the England skipper is given out, the decision is immediately reviewed and the replay proves that the noise was bat against pad. Cook looked confident that he wasn't out there and a single is the only blemish to the over.
ENG 19-1Great work from McKay as he finds a good line outside off stump to Cook.
ENG 19-1Hilfenhaus continues but Trott looks solid from the first ball. Three good defensive shots are followed by a powerful cut that is well stopped by Warner, just the two runs come from the shot instead of four. Hilfenhaus strays down leg and Trott takes advantage to play one off his hip for four runs to fine leg.
ENG 13-1Australia have started well in the field and Bailey dives to stop a Cook shot on the leg side. Cook sneaks a single from the fifth ball and an attempt at the stumps deflects for another run for England. Great shot to finish the over as Cook rocks back to drive well through the covers for four runs.
ENG 7-1Ben Hilfenhaus is set to open the bowling with McKay and he starts with a dot ball which is then followed by wide ball. Superb from Warner at backward point as he stops a definite boundary from Cook. Good start from Hilfenhaus, he find his line and is getting some movement, a single from the final ball means it is two from the over.
ENG 5-1Wicket Bell is out with the last ball of the first over as he chips a shot straight to Bailey at short mid wicket and he takes a simple catch to give McKay his first wicket.
ENG 5-0The first delivery is a dot ball but Cook is off the mark after that with a clip to mid wicket for a single. Good start at Bell from McKay as he gets one to beat the opener's outside edge before Bell punches one past mid on for two runs. Even better from Bell as he picks up two more with a cut past point.
ENG 0-0Clint McKay will bowl the first over and Michael Clarke has given him two slips.
ENG 0-0The England openers finally emerge and Alastair Cook will want to build a solid base with Ian Bell to ensure England chase down this total.
ENG 0-0Xavier Doherty could be the key man for Australia if he can make the most of the spin friendl conditions at Old Trafford. Could we see Steve Smith have a bowl too?
ENG 0-0Michael Clarke leads his players back out before having a talk with the team, they will need to make an early breakthrough to stand any chance of winning tonight.
ENG 0-0Only a few minutes before England begin their run chase, despite that fightback from Australia it does seem they are below par with that score of 145-7. The pitch does have some spin so England must still play well to win but would be disappointed if they can;t reach their target.
AUS 145-7We are going to take a quick ten minute break during the interval and will return with England needing 146 to win the match.
AUS 145-7A good final few overs mean Australia have reached a respectable total that didn't look possible at one point. That is largely due to Bailey's innings of 46 not out.
AUS 145-7James Anderson will bowl the final over of the innings and he starts it with a good yorker that Bailey manages to sneak a single from. McKay gets off strike but this is good from Anderson by not giving the batsmen much room. The good start is ruined though as Bailey launches one over mid wicket for his second six and the final ball is then hit for a straight four. Good over from Australia and they finish on 145-7.
AUS 133-7Clint McKay replaces Pattinson out in the middle and it's Broad to bowl his final over. Bailey defends the first ball and then whips one off his hip for four runs to the square leg boundary. This is good from bailey now as he tickles one to fine leg for another boundary, vital runs for Australia. A single brings McKay on strike and he edges his first ball past a diving Kieswetter for the third boundary of the over.
AUS 120-7Wicket We are left waiting by the umpires here but there is a decision and Pattnson is given out. It looks as though the umpires were asking whether the ball carried and it definitely did, Pattinson goes eventually.
AUS 120-6This partnership are eager to get on with things now and it's a quick single to start Finn's over, good running. Pattinson makes himself some room before flashing one over point for four runs and Australia need more of that, he tries the shot again but he can't make contact. Slight chance of a run out but Kieswetter can't hit the stumps as Pattinson sneaks a single. Another single is followed by a big appeal for caught behind from Kieswetter and Finn, there was a noise but the umpire is not sure and asks the third umpire to have a closer look.
AUS 113-6Three overs remaining in the innings and Australia are forced to take the batting powerplay, Finn is back into the attack.
AUS 113-6Tredwell comes back for his seventh and final over, Bailey proceeds to advance down the pitch and smash a big six over wide long on. It's a good response from Tredwell though as only three more singles come from the over and the spinner finishes with 2-23
AUS 104-6Broad is back to replace the fantastic Bopara now and a single from Bailey starts the over. Pattinson tucks away one to fine leg and these players cannot find any boundaries at the moment and it's five from the over.
AUS 99-6These two can't find many big shots against Tredwell and a poorly timed sweep from Bailey gives him a single from the second ball. Pattinson copies his partner to pick up one run to square leg and one more single follows. Five overs left in the innings.
AUS 96-6Bopara starts his fourth over now and Australia need to score quickly from now on. It's a single for Bailey but a great stop at short cover from Anderson stops a Pattinson drive. Slower ball from Bopara and Pattinson gets an edge on the ball for a single before Bailey takes one to long on.
AUS 93-6Tredwell continues but a fumble from Bopara gives Bailey the chance to get off strike. Pattinson is happy to give the strike back to his partner and Bailey misses a paddle sweep but gets it right next ball for a single. Big appeal as Tredwell gets one to turn a long way but Ian Gould shakes his head despite a loud shout from Kieswetter.
AUS 90-6Bopara continues but it's a sngle instead of a wicket from the first ball as Bailey drives to mid off. This is really good from Bopara though and his accuracy means it is just a single from the over.
AUS 89-6Tredwell returns for a new spell and Cook has managed his bowlers well so far. It's an appeal for lbw first ball but the umpire shakes his head quickly. Tredwell is looking dangerous but Pattinson shows his confidence by lobbing a single to long on. Even bigger appeal from Tredwell for lbw and Cook chooses to appeal the decision but hawkeye shows that the impact was close to outside off stump and the decision remains not out.
AUS 87-6James Pattinson is the new batsman and he's off the mark straight away with a guided single towards third man. That single is the only run scored in the over and Bopara's are 2-4. Australia are on the ropes now.
AUS 86-6Wicket No big partnership for these two! Bopara finds Hussey's edge with the first ball of his second over and Kieswetter takes a simple catch to remove Australia's key player.
AUS 86-5Patel continues and these two pick the gaps well to take six singles from the over. A big partnership is needed between Bailey and Hussey.
AUS 80-5George Bailey is at the crease and he blocks two deliveries before getting two runs wth a drive to extra cover. One more single is taken but it's a great start from Bopara.
AUS 77-5Wicket Bopara is given the ball for his first over and he immediately dismisses Smith when a fine edge travels down the leg side to a waiting Kieswetter. Good catch and Smith goes for 21, Australia in big trouble now.
AUS 77-4Husse gets immediately off strike at the start of Patel's new over and Smith is happy to give it back to his partner with a push to mid on. Much more sensible cricket from these two as they easily take six runs from the over.
AUS 71-4Finn is back for a new spell and a dot ball is followed by a straight drive from Smith down the ground for four runs. Good running brings Smith another two to square leg. Better from Finn as Smith hangs a bat at a wide delivery and the over finishes with another boundary as Smith flicks one to the fine leg rope.
AUS 61-4Michael Clarke will be so disappointed in himself in the dressing room, it was such a suicidal run and you can't give a fielder like Morgan that sort of chance.
AUS 61-4More spin from England as Patel is brought on for his first spell of the match. There is some movement on offer for England's two spinners but Smith and Hussey play sensibly to take five runs from the over.
AUS 56-4Dave Hussey is now at the crease and Smith ends the over with single. It's been really poor from Australia and those two run outs are just not good enough at this level.
AUS 55-4Wicket Clarke is out though as he calls for a terrible single and Morgan makes no mistake as he hits the stumps with the Aussie skipper well short of his crease.
AUS 55-3They do well to negotiate Broad as Australia move past the 50 mark. Smith could have been run out though as Clarke sends him back and Bopara just misses the stumps.
AUS 49-3Wicket Even more good work from Tredwell as Wade advances down the pitch but he can't get bat on the ball and Kieswetter is happy to take the bails off the stumps, second wicket for Tredwell.
AUS 49-1Forrest might not be pleased with Wade there as the second run just didn't look on. Good work from Tredwell.
AUS 48-1Wicket Wade moves his feet well but it should have only been a single and the second run puts Forrest introuble. The replay shows Tredwell did brilliantly to hit the stumps with the ball first and Forrest has gone.
AUS 48-1The powerplay period is over for now and Wade moves into double figures with a cut single to cover. Forrest attempts a pull shot but it just loops into the air for one run and this is better from the tourists as Wade once again rotates the strike. The three singles are the only runs from Broad's over.
AUS 45-1Tredwell continues and he's getting the ball to do a bit off the surface, Forrest almost runs hmself out when Wade rejects his call of a single but he's just safe. Tredwel gets through his over quickly and it's a maiden.
AUS 45-1Wade is struggling so far with only nine runs but he's still in and can be dangerous when he plays his natural game.
AUS 45-1Big appeal from Broad for lbw but it looks like Forrest got an inside edge on that ball and the new batsman gets off strike with a single from the next ball. Wild from Wade as he misses a pull shot by some distance and it's good from Broad with just a single coming from the over
AUS 44-1Peter Forrest is the new batsman and he survives his first ball before taking a single from the final delivery. Big wicket from Tredwell to remove the dangerous Warner for 32.
AUS 43-1Wicket Warner tries to sweep a full delivery but the ball strikes him on the pad and the umpire gives it out. Wade convinces his partner to not appeal and it's probably a wise decision.
AUS 43-0James Tredwell is brought on for the first over of spin in the match. Wade takes the single on offer to mid wicket.
AUS 42-0Warner plays and misses again to start Broad's next over and he looks eager to be the more aggressive player. I'm proved right when Warner hits a big six over Broad's head next ball, great shot. Warner hands the strike to Wade and a wide ball is followed by a quick single. Dropped Catch England make another mistake as Warner hits one straight in the air to Samit Patel at third man but he can't get a hand on the ball. Poor from Patel.
AUS 31-0Finn is straight back into the attack as he changes ends to replace Anderson and his first ball goes for four after a nice drive from Warner. England's field is deep and Warner takes advantage to run an easy single but Wade is having problems here as he edges another one towards the slips but the ball drops just short of Tredwell, he looks as though he should have got to the ball though. Wade is hardly firing so far and he's got seven runs from 29 balls.
AUS 24-0Two from broad's first over but he probably should have had a wicket, the ball went quickly to Anderson's left but England's best fielder would have expected to take the catch.
AUS 22-0Good length to start with from broad with three balls that Wade can't get away. Dropped Catch Wade attempts a drive but the ball travels to Anderson at first slip however he can't hold on and it's a missed opportunity.
AUS 22-0England have made their first bowling change with Stuart Broad replacing Finn for the first over of the second powerplay.
AUS 22-0Wade rushes a single and the calling didn't look great there as Warner comes back on strike. Easy couple of runs on offer for Warner to square leg and he hits the ball there again but this time gets four. Good comeback from Anderson as Warner plays another wild drive and he takes a single before Wade does the same from the final ball.
AUS 13-0Finn's pace is good today and he proves it with an absolute beauty that Warner can't handle, so close to the edge for Finn. It looks hard work for the batsmen out there and we see that again as Finn finds Warner's inside edge but the ball goes past Kieswetter for four runs.
AUS 9-0Warner gives the strike to Wade for the second ball and the wicketkeeper is looking scratchy here. It's a very good start from England and there's just a single from Anderson's third over.
AUS 8-0Finn is up to his old tricks by knocking over the bails during his bowling action, he's done it four times so far.
AUS 8-0Warner certainly looks eager to have a go at anything outside off stump but he can't get a bat on a wild cut before then missing a drive the next ball. Warner does find the middle with a push past mid off that travels quickly for the first boundary of the match. Finn strays too straight and Warner takes a single, six in total from the over.
AUS 2-0Good early signs for England and Anderson is looking very accurate. Wade is staying watchful. Great delivery from Anderson and Wade looks happy he doesn't edge one to Kieswetter. It's a maiden over from Anderson, Australia need to relieve this early pressure.
AUS 2-0Great start from Finn as he gets one to leave Wade at good pace from his first ball and he repeats the trick with the next ball, superb length from Finn. Wade does get bat on ball but it's just a block, he looks uncomfortable against Finn. Wade gets off strike with a quick single on the leg side and Wade has a wild flash at the last ball. Good start from Finn.
AUS 1-0It will be Steven Finn who opens the bowling with Anderson. Finn is now third in the ICC one-day rankings.
AUS 1-0Wade is off the mark when he drives the second ball of the over to mid off for a single. It's a good start from Anderson as he keeps Warner honest and one run comes from the opening over.
17:29James Anderson will bowl the first over.
17:29The players are out on the field and David Warner is preparing to open the batting with Matthew Wade. Here we go for the final match of the series then.
17:28The powerplays will now be seven overs and then two further sections of three over powerplays.
17:23It will be interesting to see how Australia build a total, it's difficult to judge a good total from 32 overs.
17:22We're getting close to some cricket now and that's something that didn't look likely earlier. Australia will not allow this to be a meaningless match.
17:21England: Cook, Bell, Trott, Bopara, Morgan, Kieswetter, Patel, Broad, Tredwell, Finn, Anderson
17:20Tredwell and Samit Patel mean England have two spinners, it does turn at Old Trafford and it looks a good decision from Cook to put the tourists in to bat.
17:18Australia Team : Warner, Wade, Forrest, Clarke, Bailey, Hussey, Smith, McKay, Pattinson, Hilfenhaus, Doherty
17:17Tim Bresnan misses out with a slight elbow injury and James Tredwell replaces him making it two spinners for England.
17:16England have won the toss and will have a bowl.
17:13Both captains are on their way out to the middle for the toss.
17:11The toss is still scheduled to come at 5:15pm, the umpires are hoping that it's just a passing shower.
17:03The chances of play haven't completely vanished just yet though, the match can still be reduced to 20 overs a side.
17:00It has been confirmed that the toss has been put back to 5:15pm.
16:57The rain is pretty heavy at the ground, the umpires are out in the middle and the signs are not looking encouraging.
16:52If the umpires are seeing the same forecast as I am, then we could be in for a number of showers in the next couple of hours.
16:50Bad news guys, the covers are back and the square is being sheltered again. A 5:30pm start is very doubtful now.
16:47The rain is getting harder at the ground now and that's bad news with only 10 minutes until the toss.
16:41This would be a terrible time for the rain to return and it could ruin chances of a 5:30pm start.
16:38Early signs of a shower at Old Trafford now as the players warm up.
16:33The Australian team are out preparing for the match now.
16:27It's important to not get ahead of ourselves though, we are relying on there being no rain at Old Trafford.
16:22Sir Ian Botham on Twitter: "How frustrating.... English summer !
The ground staff have done a great job I did not think there was any chance 3hrs ago..! Stay dry !!!"
The ground staff have done a great job I did not think there was any chance 3hrs ago..! Stay dry !!!"
16:21The bowling allocations will be for two bowlers to have seven overs and thre bowlers to have six overs.
16:17The toss is scheduled to take place at 5pm.
16:10The Old Trafford crowd have actually reacted to the news with boos, they have probably seen the weather forecast too.
16:09The game will be reduced to 32 overs a side but I think that will depend on if it stays dry for an hour.
16:07Reports are claiming that the umpires are planning a 5:30pm start, if the rain stays away.
16:02More frustration for cricket supporters, a good number of fans in the stands but they are disappointed to be seeing this at the moment.
16:01The umpires are back out and Michael Clarke is present too. It does still look wet and they are giving the pitch a big examination.
15:57Reports at the ground suggest that not too much has changed since the 3pm inspection, with more rain scheduled I can't see too much happening soon.
15:51The news is bad for the fans at Old Trafford as some light rain has started to fall. Inspection in 10 minutes.
15:48More on the big cricket news of today and Mark Boucher has issued a thanks to people for their support after he sustained an eye injury that has forced him to retire from international cricket.
15:41Today's situation is very similar to the abandoned match at Edgbaston earlier in the series, which I also covered. Cursed?
15:31One area of the outfield close to the former Stretford End is believed to be a major concern for the umpires. Further rain will add to those concerns.
15:28The sight of umpires inspcting the ptch has become an all too familiar sight in English criket this summer. How good a summer could it have been for England had it not been for the rain?
15:21The main problem with the 4pm inspection will be that the forecast suggests that it will be raining then.
15:13Confirmation that the next inspection is at 4pm.
15:12A 4pm pitch inspection has not been confirmed yet but it seems the most likely outcome. The cut off point for play today will be 19:07.
15:09The outfield does look very wet though, another inspection will reportedly take place at 4pm. We should have expected that.
15:09At the moment, the umpires hardly look enthusiastic.
15:01The umpires have just arrived in the middle and the inspection is taking place.
14:58It is dry but still gloomy, England players will be itching to complete a 4-0 victory in this series.
14:49Most of the covers have been removed from the square now which is promising. It is still very wet at Old Trafford though and I don't think play will start for a while yet.
14:40Not sure if the umpires will be easily persuaded though, very real chance that as soon as the game starts, rain could force the players off immediately.
14:39Alastair Cook has left the dressing room to have a closer look at the conditions and he is followed by Jonathan Trott, maybe trying to convince the umpires that conditions are fine.
14:32Pitch inspection will take place in 30 minutes.
14:27South Africa are in action today in the second day of their tour match against Somerset. The tourists are 223-7 replying to Somerset's total of 312-8 declared.
14:20Former England captain Michael Atherton on Boucher: "He was a fine cricketer, it is a very sad and cruel way for him to have to bow out. He was a combatitive, pugnacious cricketer who could also bat. He was selected when his glovework was a work in progress but he kept working at his keeping and became a very good keeper."
14:19Sir Ian Botham has also made some comments about Mark Boucher's retirement on Sky Sports: It's very sad. I liked him as a person and a character. He was uncomplicated and he will be missed, not just by the South African team but by people who love their cricket."
14:13There should be a chance of a 20 over match today if the rain isn't too heavy but the outfield will be the problem.
14:04Reports from Old Trafford by Sky Sports claim that play could start at around 5pm but only if there is no more rain. However, that predicition does seem to be very hopeful.
13:59However, England will be excited about their future in ODI cricket with many of their players starting to find their feet at this level. Ian Bell's good form at the top of the innings was needed after Kevin Pietersen's retirement and Ravi Bopara is starting to cement a place in this squad.
13:55Michael Clarke does have some quality young players at his disposal but the balance in the side hasn't seemed right during this series.
13:53I'm sure a couple of the Australian players may be looking forward to flying home after this tour. This squad was highly rated ahead of their arrival in England but have found themselves outplayed by Alastair Cook's men.
13:50Back to today, the weather reports are looking increasingly bad and heavy showers are expected later this afternoon.
13:47South Africa captain Graeme Smith has had this to say about Boucher's retirement: "Bouch, we have walked a long road together, and we are saddened to part under these circumstances. You have been more than a performer, you have been a motivator, an inspirer, an energizer. The fighting spirit you brought to team remains with us."
13:44The umpires have confirmed that they will inspect the Old Trafford pitch at 3pm.
13:41Terrible way for a great career to end for Boucher, 147 Tests for the Proteas shows you how highly he was regarded in South Africa.
13:38More bad news from the world of cricket today as South Africa's wicketkeeper Mark Boucher has announced his retirement from international cricket after suffering an eye injury during the tour match against Somerset yesterday.
13:34However, the weather forecast suggests that more rain could be on the way in a couple of hours and a reduced overs match could be the most likely option.
13:33I feel like I have been a curse for cricket this summer but the news is that play could begin in two or three hours should no more rain fall.
13:30Good morning everyone and today's commentary is starting in a familiar way. The British summer of 2012 has continued with heavy rain falling this morning at Old Trafford and the ground staff are still working hard to get the field ready for play.
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