In a further weakening of Australia's hopes, rain had washed out their ICC Champions Trophy match against New Zealand AT Edgbaston, which ended in no result and left the defending champions facing a tough battle to qualify for the semi-finals.
According to Sport24, New Zealand, chasing 244 to win, were on 51 for two off 15 overs when rain stopped play in the Group A clash in the first no result of the tournament, which saw both sides take a point apiece.
The report further said that although under the Duckworth/Lewis system for rain-affected matches, a minimum of 20 overs had to be bowled in the second innings for either side to win this fixture, however, the umpires finally decided late in the evening that no further play was possible.
According to the report, the rain-washed match left New Zealand with three points after their one-wicket win over Sri Lanka and gave Australia their first point of this event after a 48-run loss to hosts England at Edgbaston last week.
Australia, already without captain Michael Clarke because of a recurrence of his longstanding back problem, suffered a fresh blow before play started when opening batsman David Warner was dropped following allegations that he had physically assaulted England's Joe Root in a Birmingham bar in the early hours of Sunday morning following the defeat by England.
Adam Voges' top-scored with 71 in a total of 243 for eight with George Bailey, Australia's stand-in captain, making 55 after winning the toss.
New Zealand conclude their group programme against England in Cardiff on Sunday, with Australia facing Sri Lanka at The Oval on Monday, the report added.
