England battle weather and lack of interest

England's decision to spend a few days in Namibia before starting the real work of their one-day series in Zimbabwe has been dampened by some unseasonally bad weather in Windhoek. Storms which broke on Wednesday night eventually died down on Thursday, and the squad was able to practise in the nets later in the day.

The players were caught out by the rain while eating at a restaurant on Wednesday night. "I've never seen rain like that before," said Ian Bell. "There was a power cut, and I got very wet and had to roll my jeans right up to my knees. There were a couple of tables inside so we were able to nip in there, but we got served in the dark so I still don't know what I ate."

England have looked relaxed since arriving, but the inclement weather has largely restricted them to working out in the gym and light fielding practice at the Wanderers ground. Given the amount of rain and the fairly basic facilities, the first of England's two warm-up matches this Sunday must already be, like Windhoek itself, under a cloud. The second game is scheduled for Tuesday.

Local interest in England's presence is almost non-existent. Cricket is a minority sport in Namibia anyway, but the two-day presidential elections there are dominating the attention of media and public alike.