Having prospered in the day one sunshine by reaching stumps on 0-318, England openers Alastair Cook (154 not out) and Michael Carberry (153 not out) were unable to add to their overnight scores as Tasmania’s fickle weather wreaked havoc.
Heavy covers were in place throughout the day and despite mid-afternoon efforts from ground staff to clear the square, another heavy shower passed through shortly before 3pm to scupper any hopes of play starting.
Players from both camps appeared to see the writing on the wall early in the afternoon and left Blundstone Arena for the comfort of their hotels.
While there was some movement in the middle as covers were removed briefly at 4pm, play was officially abandoned at 4:15pm due to a wet run-up at the southern end of the ground.
A passing submarine in the nearby Derwent River proved one talking point on a frustrating day for players, fans and even labourers working on the development of a new grandstand who were also forced to down tools due to the inclement conditions.
Play will resume at 9:30am on Friday and Saturday to help claw back lost time and both sides will be hoping poor forecasts for the next two days prove to be mistaken.
Yet to decide on their preferred batting line-up for the first Ashes Test, England will be hoping to get back in the middle as soon as possible while several of the Australia A batsmen will also be itching for their chance on a placid Hobart wicket.
Alex Doolan, fresh from a Sheffield Shield century, Usman Khawaja and Shaun Marsh are in with some chance of winning a spot in the Australian Test side for Brisbane.
But their opportunity to prove a point to selectors is being diminished with every hour lost to rain.
England, Australia A delayed by rain
