Bangladesh's match with Sri Lanka was abandoned without a ball being bowled ©Getty Images

An unwanted record for organisers of the Cricket World Cup in England and Wales was broken today as Sri Lanka's clash with Bangladesh became the third to be washed out.

The contest at Bristol County Ground was abandoned without a ball being bowled shortly before 2pm local time due to persistent rainfall.

Sri Lanka's match against Pakistan was also rained off last week, as was yesterday's contest between South Africa and West Indies.

It is the first time that three matches have been abandoned because of the weather at a single Cricket World Cup.

The previous highest number of games called off was two, in 1992 in Australia and New Zealand and in 2003, a tournament co-hosted by South Africa, Kenya and Zimbabwe.

The match at Bristol County Ground was called off due to persistent rainfall ©Getty Images
The match at Bristol County Ground was called off due to persistent rainfall ©Getty Images

"There is a lot of frustration for all teams - coming to the ground and not playing is disappointing," Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza said.

Matches due to take place this week could also fall victim to the weather as rain is forecast over the next two days.

Australia are scheduled to play Pakistan in Taunton tomorrow before India face New Zealand at Trent Bridge on Thursday (June 13).

The forecast is better for Friday (June 14), when England return to action against West Indies at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton.