1st Semi-Final: Australia Vs. England - - Australian Innings Delayed by Insects' Attack

CENTURION, South Africa (Reuters) - A mini-plague of flying ants prevented Australia's run-chase from starting in their Champions Trophy semi-final against England at Centurion on Friday.

England had been bowled out for 257, a total inspired by a seventh-wicket stand of 107 between Luke Wright (48) and Tim Bresnan (80), but the two teams left the field almost immediately after they had arrived in the middle after the break between innings.

Umpires Billy Bowden and Aleem Dar took their positions, but then waved the players off the field as a large number of flying ants swarmed around and on the pitch in the day/night game.

Flying ants can form massive mating swarms in early summer, particularly before thunderstorms.

The delay lasted for about 12 minutes before the insects cleared away from the middle of the field.

There has been no reduction to either the number of runs Australia need or the number of overs England will need to bowl.