The umpires are going to come out at 16:20 BST to have a look at the pitch. If there is no problems (or further rain) we could be started again as soon as 16:30.

No news yet on how many overs we have lost.

Good news folks. The covers are coming off.

Image source, PA

No movement yet. Plenty of you in the ground are telling us that the rain has just about stopped (and is certainly no heavier than was being played in from the start).

But such is the nature of cricket, we can't do anything until the air is clear. We'll bring you updates as soon as we have them.

Frustrating scenes at the Oval. The drizzle remains just enough to prevent the covers being taken off, but it is no heavier than it was throughout the 18 overs of play we've had so far.

The groundstaff are stood out in the middle, kicking their heels and waiting for instruction.

Image source, Getty Images

There are some frustrated faces on the Sri Lankan players in their dressing room. They were flying prior to the rain getting heavier and causing the halt to play. The break helps England regroup.

But in order for this to prove helpful in any way we need to get back on. I'm not sure how soon that will happen.

The rain has stopped. That is teh good news. The bad news is that we will need a clean-up operation before we can re-start play. And with more rain due it could all be in vain.

We are now starting to lose overs.

The umbrellas are still up, the covers are still on, the rain is still falling. Rubbish.

We'll keep you updated if there is any change.

Following the early wicket, it has been all about Kusal Mendis and Danushka Gunathilaka...

If you are just joining us, it is currently raining at the Oval and the teams are off. Sri Lanka are currently on top. However, the day started well for England...

Ed Smith
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"It's a bit brighter beyond. The big, dark clouds are just over The Oval right now."

Image source, ECB

Alec Stewart
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"The head groundsman is just talking to the umpires. He'll have the radar and will know what's coming. It's always best being the head groundsman - you don't have to push the covers."

Ed Smith
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"It's been coming. The umpires are looking at the direction the weather is coming from and they want to protect the surface as best they can."

Rain stops playpublished at 18.1 overs

18.1 overs

SL 127-1

This is cruel on Sri Lanka. This is the best we have seen from them this summer. I say summer... you wouldn't know it from the weather. The rain gets heavier and the umpires have no choice. Off we go. Sigh.

Image source, Rex Features

Image source, Rex Features

Andy Zaltzman
Comedian & BBC Test Match Special statistician

"This is Mendis' third half-century in his sixth ODI - and his highest score."

Mendis gets away with one first ball after drinks as he looks to turn a Rashid ball to leg and top-edges but watches in relief as it drops safe behind Jos Buttler. 

It doesn't affect the approach from Mendis, who punches another four that just beats the diving Plunkett to hit the rope.

The dark clouds continue to fill in the sky over the Oval. Ominous.

Alec Stewart
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"There are a few umbrellas going up."

Ed Smith
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"There are a few spots of rain on our commentary box window."