Here come the umpires. No umbrellas to be seen which is a good sign.

They're having a good look at areas just to the side of the covers. The outfield will still be pretty sodden.

A quick chat with the ground staff and I fancy the question will be, 'how long will it take to get it playable?'

Marty: Star Waughs: Attack of the Clones

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Hearing that there will be an inspection at 17:00 BST.

It looks a little clearer but given that it is still raining, that suggests they might be ready to call it for the day.

All speculation at this point, we await the outcome.

The ground staff are back out at Edgbaston, suggesting the worst of the rain may have passed... for now.

There are some very big puddles on the outfield, though, and the rain is still falling.

I wouldn't expect a resumption soon but perhaps there is a chance of more play today? I expect Australia would be happier with that than England...

No one is more excited about the shipping forecast than Jim Maxwell...

Jonny Green: The best Star Wars cricketer would surely be a bowler capable of holding up an Endor two?

The Rothmans: Ewok-ar Younis

Gareth: Clive Droid

I like that Gareth, simple but effective. It's a yes from me.

No official word yet on whether tea has been taken. You would assume it has but if the rain has really set in then it makes very little difference.

Matthew Henry
BBC Sport at Edgbaston

Image source, PA Media

They're showing a replay of Stokes' innings at Headingley on the big screen but there's hardly anyone around to see it. Most of the crowd has taken cover behind and below the stands with the rain falling.

It looks marginally less soggy at Edgbaston but no sign of a clear-up operation just yet.

So while we wait, who's up for a bit more Star Wars cricketers chat? We've got plenty still to get through...

Just three and a bit overs were possible in between the rain delays. But that was enough time for Australia to snatch two wickets in favourable conditions.

England openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley were the men to fall...

Weather update: it is now absolutely hosing it down at Edgbaston.

The ground staff have gone to find shelter and it is safe to say we won't be getting anymore play in the near future.

Sorry, Sahil, it is the cricket fan's prerogative to change their mind on what they want from the umpires depending on the situation.

Sahil Oberoi: You can’t complain that umpires are too quick at stopping play and then complain because England have lost two wickets. That’s what the floodlights are there for, get on with the game.

Thanks, Tom - a great stint!

It still looks incredibly dark at Edgbaston but the ground staff are still out working so I'm not sure how heavy the rain is. Or if it is actually raining at all?

More of that sort of insight to come...

What an afternoon it has been. Sometimes wet weather can add to the tension of a Test match and I think it has done so here.

Time for me to get a break. Hopefully Sam Drury can bring you some more cricket before the day is out.

Sir Alastair Cook
Former England captain on BBC Test Match Special

To Scott Boland, batting out of your crease and advancing to him is a fair option. It just takes a dismissal out of his armoury.

Michael Vaughan
Former England captain on BBC Test Match Special

The best way to describe the weather is to say that we have no clue! I know Australia will be desperate to get another half an hour in today.

Henry Moeran
BBC Test Match Special commentator

The various weather apps suggest we will get rain sweeping across Birmingham for the next 45 minutes and then it is clear.

But then there is a chance that there is nothing on the radar and something just springs up.