TORRENTIAL rain has meant the fourth and final Test between England and West Indies at Riverside has been delayed by a day.

After a 12.30 inspection, the umpires ruled there would be no play at the Chester-le-Street venue today and are pinning their hopes on an improvement in the weather tomorrow morning.

After heavy rain on Thursday night and Friday morning, it was clear the Riverside outfield was not fit to host the first day's play.

But with slightly better weather conditions forcast for Saturday and sunshine predicted for Sunday there is at least some hope of play over the weekend.

England won the series on Monday when they secured a 60-run victory at Old Trafford. England, though, hope to complete a 3-0 win at Riverside.