Rain forced the triangular series one-day international between England and Zimbabwe to be abandoned on Tuesday.

England had reached 81-4 after 16.3 overs when the players were forced off the field.

The match had been reduced to 25 overs a side after rain delayed the start by over five hours.

Zimbabwe won the toss and put England in. Vikram Solanki (8) was the first to go when he edged a catch to Grant Flower at slip off Heath Streak as he tried an expansive drive. 11-1.

Marcus Trescothick (3) was then brilliantly caught by the diving Flower at wide third slip off Streak. 12-2.

It was 13 for 3 when wicketkeeper Chris Read, promoted up the order, was run out by Gary Brent's direct hit as he tried to pinch a quick single.

Andrew Flintoff was the fourth England wicket to fall. After scoring six runs, he heaved Andy Blignaut straight to Travis Friend on the square leg boundary.

Anthony McGrath joined his captain Michael Vaughan and the pair added 49 before rain forced the players off.

Vaughan finished unbeaten on 35, with McGrath on 15.