Poor weather in the north east meant play in this dead rubber was called off shortly before 1500 BST.

It was the second game in the tournament that had been lost due to rain, but in any case England already knew they would play New Zealand in Saturday's final.

Indian captain Anjum Chopra said she was sad not to be able to play on a ground she had admired from afar.

"I'm very disappointed. We were looking forward to playing at Chester-le-Street especially after the men had done so well on this ground.

"We're off to Ireland now to play three one-dayers against the Irish team then we're back here for two Test matches against the England team."

Clare Connor, the England skipper, was no less disappointed, although the break does at least give her team more time to prepare for Saturday's big match.

She said: "It's hugely disappointing after our second one-dayer was rained off in Jersey.

"We wanted to have a run out to put a few things into practice for tomorrow."

The England team will have a few days rest after the final before travelling to Cambridge for an annual domestic tournament.

When that's over, they will have a further break before travelling to Shenley for the first Test of two against India.