Persistent showers at the Beausejour Stadium ruled out at prompt start and increased the likelihood of either a reduced overs contest or attempting to finish the match on Sunday's reserve day.

Umpires Rudi Koertzen and Peter Parker were due to hold an inspection at the ground as soon as the showers stopped and attempt a positive conclusion to the group.

England were safe in the knowledge that if the entire game was washed out over the two days they would qualify for the last eight of the World Cup for the first time since 1996 on superior run-rate to Kenya.

Prior to the start England were considering making changes to the line-up which clinched a hard-working victory over Canada last Sunday.

All-rounder Andrew Flintoff, dropped for disciplinary reasons last weekend, was due to return but England were considering who would make way for his return.

Emerging Essex all-rounder Ravi Bopara impressed while filling in for Flintoff last Sunday and could retain his place as England consider whether to persevere with Jamie Dalrymple.

Middlesex's off-spinning all-rounder has struggled in recent games and recorded single figure scores in his last four outings - including the opening two matches of the World Cup - and claimed only two wickets during that period.