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Archer handed first England cap as rain holds up second Ashes Test

Archer handed first England cap as rain holds up second Ashes Test
© Reuters
The bowler will make his Test debut at Lord's.

Jofra Archer was handed his England Test cap as the wait for play continued in the second Ashes clash at Lord's.

Chris Jordan presented Archer with the cap in England's pre-match huddle ahead of an expected toss at 3pm – only for further rain to delay the start once again.

Jordan may only have made eight Test appearances but it was a proud moment for both men, who are Sussex team-mates, both Barbados-born and describe themselves as brothers.

Grim forecasts for the start of play proved to be accurate, with morning downpours surrounding the ground and pools of water gathering on the outfield.

A break in the rain allowed the covers to be rolled back, but it set back in before a planned 11am pitch inspection.

Umpires Aleem Dar and Chris Gaffaney were not convinced by 2pm but another inspection 30 minutes later brought plans for a start – only for the weather to intervene again.

England are 1-0 behind after Australia won the series opener by 251 runs at Edgbaston.

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Andrew Strauss pictured in late 2017
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