The nature of the Champions Trophy – two groups of four, blink and you’ll miss it – makes it tricky to assess all the permutations. My instinct is that a washout today is a slightly better result for Australia than South Africa. What it would mean is that net run-rate is less likely to be a factor in who qualifies for the semi-finals.

The toss should be happening right about now. Should. It’s still raining so we’re going to have a delayed start, and possibly a very frustrating day.

The forecast isn’t great, in truth, so DLS may well be a factor in this game. Whoever wins the toss will surely bowl first.

Australia are without five of their World Cup-winning XI in this tournament. But their replacements – particularly Matt Short, Alex Carey and Nathan Ellis – were key to the win over England.

There is plenty of cloud and, most importantly, a bit of light rain about at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium at the moment. The covers are on but there is no word yet about the start being delayed. Stay tuned!

Preamble