England hit early frustration in T20 World Cup defence as Scotland match washed out

England’s weather frustrations followed them into the start of their T20 World Cup defence, while Scotland missed out on a shot at a famous upset as Tuesday’s Group B clash was washed out in Barbados.

Having won the toss and elected to bat, Scotland openers Michael Jones and George Munsey made an excellent start in reaching 51 without loss in 6.2 overs, before a lengthy rain delay saw the contest reduced to ten overs per side.

When the action resumed, Jones kicked on to strike an unbeaten 45 from 30 balls, while Munsey added 41 not-out from 31 in a total of 90 for nought.

England’s adjusted target of 109 on a used pitch looked set to be a testing one, only for the heavens to open again before the reigning champions could begin their reply and force the first ever men’s T20I between the sides to be abandoned.

Jos Buttler’s side lost half of their four-match warm-up series against Pakistan to washouts at the end of last month and went into the Scotland clash aware of the same threat after persistent showers across this week’s practice days in the Caribbean.

Spirits, though, were high, after comprehensive victories in the two matches against Pakistan that did beat the weather and England stuck with the same XI that triumphed at the Oval in the most recent of those, with Mark Wood preferred to Reece Topley as the seam attack spearhead alongside Jofra Archer.

Archer, playing international cricket on the island where he was born and raised for the very first time, was given a rousing ovation by the local crowd, after morning rain and a wet patch on the wicket had forced a delayed start.

England, though, were sloppy in the field, while Munsey and Jones refused to be intimidated by the early pace barrage. The former was given a lifeline on 16 when he was caught by Buttler off a Wood no-ball but Jones took 15, including three boundaries, off Chris Jordan’s final powerplay over to confirm a terrific start for the associate nation.

Already, there was hope building of another historic shock to exceed that which Scotland pulled off in the most recent meeting between the sides in a one-day international in Edinburgh in 2018. However, just two deliveries were possible beyond the end of the powerplay before heavy rain set in.

By the time the teams returned, the contest had been cut to ten overs each and both Archer and Wood - having bowled two apiece already - ruled out of the attack.

Adil Rashid ought to have been England’s trump card at that stage but his first over cost 18 as Scotland swelled their total with 39 from the 22 deliveries after the restart, only to be denied chance to defend it.

There will be no panic from England over qualification just yet, with the top two in each group to go through to the Super Eight, but Saturday’s meeting with Australia at the same ground now comes with added pressure. Scotland, meanwhile, meet Namibia on Thursday in their second game.