Lee strikes before rain frustrates Australia

Brett Lee struck twice in the first over before rain washed out Australia's one-day international against Ireland at Stormont on Saturday.

Ireland, put in by Australia captain Michael Clarke, had slumped to 36 for three in 10.4 overs when, in a match where the start was delayed by a wet outfield, a fresh downpour halted proceedings.

And conditions meant, despite several inspections, the match never resumed with play finally called off at 4pm local time (1500GMT) as Australia were denied valuable time in the middle ahead of their five-match one-day series against England, starting at Lord's on Friday.

One man who proved he was ready for the main event was veteran fast bowler Lee. The 35-year-old took two wickets with the first three deliveries of the match and finished with figures of two for 10 from his three overs.

Pat Cummins, the 19-year-old protege, bowled the fastest ball of the day at a shade under 94mph.

But both he and Lee were consistently over 90mph on a pitch which played superbly despite almost 48 hours of non-stop rain in the build-up to the match.

Australia rotated their bowlers after Thursday's warm-up victory over Leicestershire, with Lee, Cummins and Ben Hilfenhaus replacing James Pattinson, Clint McKay and Mitchell Johnson.

AFP