Rain wins the day in first Proteas vs West Indies ODI

The opening one-day international between South Africa  and the West Indies at Buffalo Park in East London on Thursday was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to persistent rain.

The signs were ominous, with grey skies and inclement weather over the ground from early morning ahead of the scheduled 12.30pm toss for a 1pm start.

Reserve umpire Bongani Jele performed numerous inspections throughout the afternoon but there was never a realistic chance of playing and the game was called off at 4.30pm.

The Proteas are starting a fresh era under new white-ball coach Rob Walter after their 2-0 Test series victory over the Windies last week.

The sides will meet again at the same venue for the second ODI on Saturday.