Restricted to 25 overs a side after heavy rain ruled out any play before 3.50pm, only 74 minutes of play were possible before a further downpour ended play just after 5pm with England having recovered to reach 81 for four.

Michael Vaughan, making his return to the side after missing Saturday's victory over South Africa with a back strain, hit an unbeaten 35 - his highest international score of the summer.

He forged an unbroken 49-run partnership with Anthony McGrath spanning seven overs which guided England out of trouble after Zimbabwe exploited the seamer-friendly conditions after winning the toss.

England's batsmen came under early pressure, with Zimbabwe making the breakthrough in only the third over of the innings with opener Vikram Solanki edging Heath Streak to Grant Flower at second slip.

Four balls later Marcus Trescothick fell in identical fashion only this time Flower pulled off a brilliant diving catch low to his right.

That brought Chris Read, promoted up the order to number three, and captain Vaughan together at the crease but they did not have enough time together to forge anything like an understanding with another wicket falling in the next over.

Read pushed straight to Gary Brent at mid-on and set off for a quick single but before he could make his ground the stumps had been thrown down with a direct hit.

Andrew Flintoff lasted a further five overs and helped England make a partial recovery until he tried to pull Andy Blignaut's second delivery and only succeeded in picking out Travis Friend on the square leg boundary.

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