Rain hampers England's Ashes preparations

Persistent rain has led to an early decision to cancel play on day two of England's tour match against the England Lions in Brisbane.

Peter Burge Oval in the coastal suburb of Wellington Point received close to 90mm of rain after play was halted just after lunch on Tuesday, with England cruising at 0-95.

With more showers forecast for Wednesday the prospect of a full day's play on day three is also unlikely.

Instead Test players were set to complete an indoor session at the National Cricket Centre, while the members of the squad that competed at the T20 World Cup remain in their own bubble training on the Gold Coast.

The three-day match is one of just two opportunities for the England squad to gain match practice before the first men's Vodafone Ashes Test from December 8.

The second is a four-day match that is set to begin on November 30.

The rain, expected to linger for the rest of the week, has scuppered Ben Stokes' cricketing return after almost five months out of the game due to mental health concerns.

The dreary forecast could also have an impact on next week's crucial Australia intra-squad three-day match at Peter Burge Oval, which is set to determine the final make-up of the XI to play at the Gabba.

Test hopefuls Travis Head and Usman Khawaja will be hopeful that game goes ahead to show selectors one last time they can fill the vacant number five spot in Australia's batting line up, especially as they navigate a tricky pitch in their Marsh Sheffield Shield clash at Karen Rolton Oval this week. 

It will also present an opportunity for Jhye Richardson to make his case for a position in the starting XI at the Gabba, after his scintillating form in the Shield this season has seen him rocket into calculations.  

Vodafone Men's Ashes v England

Tour Matches

Nov 23-25: England v England Lions, Brisbane

Nov 30 – Dec 3: England v England Lions, Brisbane

Dec 1-3: Australian intra-squad match, Brisbane

Dec 9-12: Australia A v England Lions, Brisbane

Tests

First Test: December 8-12, The Gabba

Second Test: December 16-20, Adelaide Oval

Third Test: December 26-30, MCG

Fourth Test: January 5-9, SCG

Fifth Test: January 14-18, Perth Stadium