Edwards forces the ball away during her 84-ball knock

England captain Charlotte Edwards hit an unbeaten half century before their opening one-day game against West Indies was abandoned because of rain.

The home side had reached 156-4 in the 43rd over at Loughborough, with Edwards on 60 not out, when a heavy downpour brought the game to an end.

It was the first meeting between the teams since the 1993 World Cup.

And West Indies acquitted themselves well in the field after recent series wins in Ireland and the Netherlands.

Teenage seam bowler Deandra Dottin made the initial breakthrough after England won the toss and chose to bat first, bowling Sarah Taylor via the edge of her bat for 26.

Claire Taylor only managed seven before she was run out and when Caroline Atkins was caught off the impressive Kirbyina Alexander, who took 1-23 from a full 10-over allocation, the home side were in trouble on 85-3.

Lydia Greenway became the second run-out victim of the innings, departing for five, but Edwards and Beth Morgan (17) halted the slide with an unbroken stand of 53 before the weather intervened.

England women's coach Mark Lane said his players benefited from spending some time in the middle.

"It was really worthwhile," said Lane. "It was time the middle for Charlotte Edwards which is what we are looking for.

"She played really well for her 60. We also saw a great start from Sarah Taylor which was fantastic.

"Players spending time at the crease is vitally important. Time at the middle, judging singles, running twos and getting some mileage in your legs is very important."