LONDON, April 13 Rain, as much a part of cricket in England as Lord`s itself, had the last word here on Sunday in the opening match of the 2008 English season when a persistent downpour washed out the final day`s play in the traditional curtain-raiser between MCC and the county champions, Sussex.

Not a ball was bowled Sunday on the fourth day at Lord`s, the match ending in a draw.

The game was already heading towards a stalemate with Sussex 474 for five in their second innings overnight, a lead of 440. —AFP