The countdown for the 2019 World Cup officially begins as England host Pakistan in the first of five ODIs at The Oval on Wednesday.

Pakistan picked left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir, who will be auditioning for a late selection for the World Cup, while England continued to back pace ace Jofra Archer.

However, persistent rain forced the match to be delayed by more than an hour, with the game reduced to 47 overs a side.

Who will prevail in the opening encounter? Catch the live updates below.