Persistent rain washed out the first T20 international between England and India at Chester-le-Street, leaving the five-match series level at 0-0. India posted a competitive 189-7 in their 20 overs, with Abhishek Sharma hitting a rapid 59 off 24 balls and Shreyas Iyer adding 68. England's chase was never able to begin.

India recovered from a shaky start at 6-2, with Sharma's aggressive innings featuring two sixes off one Saqib Mahmood over. Despite losing Sharma to Sam Curran, Iyer and Shivam Dube (42 not out) provided late impetus. The score seemed a challenging but achievable target, setting up anticipation for a close contest before the weather intervened.

An injury scare also affected the home side, as opener Phil Salt left the field with a jarred shoulder. The series continues with the second T20 at Old Trafford on Saturday, offering England another opportunity to impress under white-ball captain Harry Brook, who is also in contention for the Test captaincy.