Brisbane: The Pool A match between Australia and Bangladesh on Saturday was abandoned without a ball being bowled after persistent showers drenched the Gabba surface in the aftermath of the tropical cyclone Marcia, rendering the ground unsuitable for play.

Marcia, a category five storm, had weakened after slamming into the Queensland coast late on Thursday causing widespread devastation. But its residual effect caused persistent rain over Brisbane.

The match has been in serious doubt for the past few days, but the organisers had hoped that curtailed game would be possible. The scheduled (2:30pm local time) start was delayed and the toss too did not happen. With rain persisting, the match was called off around 4:45pm local time (12.15pm IST).

Both teams took away one point each from this fixture. Australia and Bangladesh are now at the second and third spot, respectively, in Pool A standings. New Zealand, with three wins from as many matches, are on top.

It turned out to be the first washout of the ongoing World Cup. Captain Michael Clarke had been set to play after missing Australia’s opening 111-run win over England at the MCG last weekend as he continued to recover from his long-standing hamstring injury.

But his return has been delayed until next weekend when Australia face New Zealand.                                         (PTI)