Rain denies India shot at victory

India were denied the chance to claim a maiden win over England this summer after the first one-day international at Chester-le-Street was rained off.

The world champions had given themselves the chance of a breakthrough success after Parthiv Patel's 95 helped the tourists to 274 for seven.

England were then 27 for two in their reply before the forecast rain finally arrived and remained to prevent a result.

It was an unsatisfying end for India whose day was soured further by yet more injury concerns - most notably Sachin Tendulkar.

The veteran right-hander was unable to take his place due to a toe injury that could end his tour prematurely, while Rohit Sharma sustained a broken finger after he was struck on the gloves by a Stuart Broad short delivery.

The tourists' injury crisis meant they were without seven of the team that won the World Cup final in April, with Tendulkar set to undergo tests on his injury this week.

With India depleted it was no surprise when England skipper Alastair Cook sent them in under overcast skies after winning the toss.

But India hardly missed their star men thanks to Parthiv, who was dropped by local boy Ben Stokes on seven, as he formed the backbone of the tourists' healthy score.

When it was England's turn to bat, Praveen Kumar removed Cook and Craig Kieswetter early.

Cook played on to his stumps after managing just four before Kieswetter was trapped lbw, but after just 7.2 overs the rain arrived and the players went off at 3pm. Attempts for a re-start were twice denied by the persistent drizzle as the match was eventually called off at 5.30pm.