The start of the Ashes third Test between England [ Images ] and Australia [ Images ] was delayed on Thursday due to heavy rain over the past 24 hours.

Following torrential rain all day on Wednesday, the sun was shining and a stiff breeze was helping to dry the outfield. There will be a pitch inspection at 1000 GMT, the scheduled start time.

Australian newspapers reported that the touring side, 1-0 down in the series, had dropped opening batsman Phillip Hughes in favour of all-rounder Shane Watson [ Images ].