Hobart, Australia: Rain forced play to be abandoned for the second consecutive day in England's tour match against Australia A on Friday, playing havoc with the tourists' preparations for the first Ashes test beginning Nov. 21 in Brisbane.
England remains at 318-0, right where Alastair Cook, 154 not out, and Michael Carberry, on 153, were at stumps Wednesday after the first day at Bellerive Oval.
If play resumes on the final day Saturday -- another soggy day is forecast -- England is expected to retire the opening pair and give other batsmen in its top order time in the middle.
England will travel to Sydney on Sunday for its third tour match against an Invitational XI starting on Wednesday at the Sydney Cricket Ground, its final match before the Brisbane test.
