Rain delays start of second Ashes Test

London - Persistent early morning rain delayed the scheduled 12:00 (SA time) start in the second Ashes Test between England and Australia at Lord's on Wednesday.

When the match should have been getting underway, the square and pitch remained fully covered and prospects of any play before lunch appeared slim.

Ashes holders Australia lead the five-match series 1-0 after their 251-run win in the first Test at Edgbaston last week.

It is 18 years since Australia last won an Ashes series in England.

England have only won seven Ashes campaigns from behind, most recently when they took the celebrated 2005 series 2-1.

They were set to give a debut to fast bowler Jofra Archer after James Anderson, England's all-time leading wicket-taker, was ruled out with a calf injury that meant he bowled just four overs at Edgbaston.

Neither England nor Australia had yet named their teams. They are not required to do so until the toss takes place.