Rain meant there was no play before lunch on the second day of the fifth Ashes Test at The Oval on Thursday.

The umpires took lunch 30 minutes early at 12.30pm local time (9.30pm AEST) and were hoping to start play at 1.10pm (10.10pm AEST) following the 40-minute break.

Australia will resume at 4-307 with Steve Smith 66 not out and chasing a hundred, and nightwatchman Peter Siddle unbeaten on 18.

Showers are predicted throughout the day in London on Thursday, with the elements again conspiring against Australia.

Rain ruined their chances of winning the third Test at Old Trafford, and now they’ll be hoping they have the chance to build on a strong start.

No decision has been made on when a further inspection will take place.