England were building a promising lead yesterday when heavy rain interrupted the second day of the fourth Test against India at Emirates Old Trafford.

The hosts had started to reassert themselves after a frustrating morning when play was halted early in the afternoon session by a torrential downpour.

Joe Root was leading the hosts’ push and was unbeaten on 48, with England 237 for six and leading by 85, when the players left the field. Jos Buttler was 22 not out.

The drizzle which prompted the umpires to call on the covers quickly developed into a heavy shower and, with considerable water deposited on the outfield, 85 minutes of play was lost before tea was taken at the regulation 3.40pm.

A further pitch inspection at 5.40pm declared that rain had been abandoned for the remainder of the day.