Rain puts paid to Indian hopes of a win after Parthiv's knock

Opener scores 95 as touring side post a competitive total against England in the first of five one-day internationals.

India were denied the chance to claim a maiden win over England this summer after the first one-day international (ODI) at Chester-le-Street was rained off.

The world champions, who lost the Test series 4-0, gave themselves the chance of a breakthrough success in England after Parthiv Patel's 95 helped them to 274 for seven.

But with England struggling at 27 for two after 7.2 overs, the forecast rain finally arrived to send the players off with the match eventually abandoned.

India were also dealt a pre-match blow when star batsman Sachin Tendulkar was ruled out with a toe injury that could end his tour prematurely.

He will undergo a test on his injury this week.

And when the Indians lost the toss, they were sent into bat by England captain Alastair Cook without seven of the visitors' World Cup winners.

Despite that, India began positively in Durham, northeastern England, with their makeshift opening partnership of Ajinkya Rahane and Patel putting on 82 for the first wicket in 16 overs.

Stuart Broad made England's first breakthrough with the next delivery, which Rahane skied to Samit Patel on the fine-leg ropes for 40. He then removed Rahul Dravid after umpire Billy Doctrove had initially turned down an appeal for caught behind.

Broad immediately reviewed it and while the "Hotspot" technology did not back a decision reversal, the audio did and a bemused Dravid went off.

England failed to build on the double breakthrough, however, as Parthiv was joined by Virat Kohli in a 103-run stand that formed the backbone of the innings.

Parthiv was denied a first ODI century when he flashed at a wide slower ball from Jimmy Anderson.

India's injury problems worsened when Broad pinned Rohit Sharma on the gloves with his first ball, forcing him off with a suspected broken finger as Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni helped India reach 274.

Despite the late wickets India had set a testing target for England that looked more imposing when Praveen Kumar claimed Cook and Craig Kieswetter early.

Cook played on to his stumps after managing just four before Kieswetter was trapped before the rain fell. It was not the start Cook had wanted after urging England before the match to become more consistent in the one-day game, especially at the top of the order.

Cook said England must learn to be consistent before they can become a force in ODI cricket.

"There are a lot of areas we need to improve on, whether it be our batting at the top of the order or in the powerplay," he said.

"But the most glaring thing in this side is the consistency. On our day in the past we've always managed to beat sides.

"But to do it day in, day out - like we have been as a Test team - we haven't managed to do that in one-day cricket."

Cook and Co will have another chance to improve in Tuesday's second ODI in Southampton.