All to play for after Australia-England T20 World Cup washout

A highly anticipated clash between Australia and England at the Twenty20 World Cup was abandoned without a ball being bowled because of rain on Friday in Melbourne, leaving their group wide open.

It was the second match of the day, after Ireland v Afghanistan, to be washed out at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and means all four sides take a point each in their hunt for a place in the semi-finals.

New Zealand lead Group 1 on three points - the same as England, Ireland and holders Australia - but the Black Caps have a better net run-rate and a game in hand.

Sri Lanka and Afghanistan have two points. The top two from the group will reach the semi-finals.

Four matches have now been rained off at the tournament in Australia.

The highly-anticipated contest between Australia and England has been abandoned due to rain ???#T20WorldCup | #AUSvENG | https://t.co/3LkBUVwruf pic.twitter.com/BUPndtV0zU

The showdown between Ashes rivals England and Australia had been billed as a must-win for both sides after each had won one and lost one.

"It is a shame tonight, especially for everybody involved. All the fans who were going to come and watch this game live, everybody wanting to watch it on TV," England captain Jos Buttler said.

"For players especially as well, Australia v England at the MCG in a must-win World Cup match is as big as it gets in your career and they are the games you want to be involved in.

"And no matter what the result was going to be, it's something you want to experience as a cricketer."

England, who together with Australia were one of the pre-tournament favourites, next play New Zealand on Tuesday in Brisbane in another must-win game.

Australia have the easier of the remaining matches compared to England and play Ireland on