In 2009 the corresponding fixture was also abandoned without a ball bowled when the Headingley drainage struggled to cope with a morning downpour but this time the weather never threatened to break to allow any action. This was the fourth day of international cricket lost during the tour following the weather-ruined Edgbaston Test that only had play on two days.

The lack of action meant no opportunity to look at England’s rejigged side after they rested Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann, a decision that provoked another debate about resting and rotation. The three players will be back with the squad for the Twenty20 international at Trent Bridge on Sunday which concludes West Indies’ visit.

Following the Twenty20, England then have five one-day internationals against Australia before the main contest of the season with a three-Test series against South Africa.