On the day when the fourth Test between England and Australia ended in a stalemate, rain descended on Manchester and destroyed England’s hopes at Old Trafford.
The weather in Manchester didn’t allow for much play, but when it did, Australia reclaimed the lead from the English squad. Marnus Labuschagne’s stoic century, supported by Mitch Marsh, enabling Australia to ensure that an innings loss appeared increasingly unlikely.
With all-rounders Cam Green and Marsh still at the crease, Australia was only down by 61 runs when Manchester’s weather wreaked havoc on the remaining days of the Test match.
With no play possible on Day 5 due to rain at Old Trafford, the 4th Test has ended in a draw.
The outcome of the 4th Test meant England could not level the series before the 5th Test and Pat Cummins’ Australian side has successfully retained the Ashes.
As the match stands, England has a window of opportunity to push for a win on the final day. They need to claim five wickets to secure a victory if Australia fail to add another 61 runs. However, if Australia surpasses that target, England must bowl them out and then chase down the required runs. A draw, on the other hand, would be enough for Australia to retain the Ashes, with one Test remaining.
The weather forecast for Sunday in Manchester is not promising, with a 91 per cent chance of rain. There may be brief periods of sunshine between 12 and 8 o’clock local time, but it’s still unclear if there will be enough time for a decisive outcome. England would ideally want a whole day to battle it out, especially considering the Ashes series’ intensity.
Australia skipper Pat Cummins said.
“Our preference is to come over and win, but nice to retain, something to be proud of,”
While Australia might say that they are deserving of holding the urn based on their victory in the first two Test matches, England’s comeback in the series has been nothing short of inspiring. They were hoping to make history by emulating Don Bradman’s Australia in 1936–1937, the first side to win an Ashes series despite being down 0-2 following losses at Edgbaston and Lord’s.
“Tough one to take, playing the cricket we played and then to get on the wrong side of the weather. It’s all part of the journey,” England captain Ben Stokes lamented at the post-match presentation.
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