Ed Joyce
Ex-Ireland and England batter

The conditions are really going to have to improve for us to see any play today. It is looking a bit soggy out there but there's no visible water out there. Unfortunately, it's just consistent rain but it isn't that heavy. If it stops, we might see some play.

We're getting somewhere. What if water is pooling?

Ed Joyce
Ex-Ireland and England batter

There's a few England guys out there who will be involved in the Test series against Australia. I hope that doesn't end up being a factor influencing their decision to play here today

My colleague Stephan may well end up with an afternoon/evening off in Malahide at this rate. If I was generous I'd ask you all for some recommendations.

Yes, Mike. I'm not entirely incompetent.

Image source, Getty Images

You will not need reminding of Phil Salt's form. 89 in the first T20 followed 141 in the third match against South Africa.

It leads produces an intriguing question. Is Phil Salt underrated?

Statistically he has been right up there with the very best in the world for some time. He is the man the IPL franchises want to have.

Stephan Shemilt has taken a look at that question

The locals have spoken but still we wait.

There was supposed to be an inspection at 13:30 BST but we've had no real developments because it's still raining.

Four consecutive beeps every five minutes. Any suggestions?

I won't tell if you don't, Adam.

There's always lots of chat about cricket shouldn't be played in September when it rains. Had they played this next week we'd have been watching on the deckchairs.

It's not ideal, is it? In the meantime we'll just have to chat.

Tips for passing the time, England's best T20 XI, why my dishwasher keeps beeping. Whatever you like.

Stephan Shemilt
BBC Sport chief cricket reporter in Malahide

We might be bordering on farce here. The umpires say there are two patches of the outfield that are problematic, but in these conditions they aren't going to dry naturally. There's no obvious attempt to get them dry, either.

England have been playing football for half an hour. No evidence in that game to suggest the underfoot conditions are tricky.

Jonathan Bradley
BBC Sport NI senior journalist at Malahide

Image source, Getty Images

The England players are still happily continuing their game of keepy-uppies just in front of the media tent here in Malahide.

You would have to say, though, that the number of umbrellas popping up among the optimistic number who have already taken their seats in the stands does not bode well...

Image source, Getty Images

England player Luke Wood on the opening match of the series: "It was a pretty exciting game for the spectators, high-scoring game in the end. We probably let them get too many in the middle there but it was a good high-scoring wicket. Good game all around."

"We managed to get there the day before. We got a feel for the dimensions and took it all in. It was good fun. The crowd is quite close which makes you feel smaller but it was a great pitch."

"We’ve played a bit of golf, the lads have enjoyed it. One good thing about touring here is that we’re experiencing different things. It’s been great fun."

After saying that, the covers are back on and the brollies are up. They have to be playing by 17:16 BST for a five-over match.