Start of play is DELAYED on crucial day five of fourth Test between England and Australia due to a wet outfield after heavy overnight rain, with Ben Stokes’s side in a race against time to stop Aussies retaining the Ashes
The start of play has been DELAYED on crucial day five of the Fourth Test between England and Australia due to a wet outfield after torrential overnight rain, with Ben Stokes’ side in a race against time to prevent Aussies retaining the Ashes
- The last day of the fourth test between England and Australia is in sight
- England must win at Old Trafford to prevent the Aussies from retaining the Ashes
- After heavy rain and bad weather forecasts, they are fighting the weather
The start of play on the fifth day of the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford has been delayed due to a wet outfield following heavy overnight rain.
Trailing 2-1 in the series, Ben Stokes’ side must win both this game and the final Test at the Oval next week or Australia keep the urn.
The Aussies were 214-5 overnight, still 61 runs down after another rain-swept day on Saturday.
Only 30 overs were possible on day four as they went from 113-4 in scoring 101 runs for the loss of just one wicket – which fell to Joe Root – to frustrate England.
The hosts are in a race against time on Sunday with heavy overnight and morning rain, along with further plans for the day, meaning we are unlikely to see much play.
The start of the game on the fifth matchday of the fourth Ashes Test has been postponed due to a wet outfield
Heavy rain last night meant it was not possible to start play at the scheduled 11am start time
An inspection is scheduled for 11am provided there are no further downpours, with a wet outfield at Old Trafford being the main problem.
If Australia escaped with a draw it would be a brutal blow to Stokes and Co after a great performance in Manchester.
After bowling Australia for 317, England scored 592 all-out with a sensational 189 for Zak Crawley, along with fifties for Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook, Moeen Ali and Ben Stokes.
In Australia’s second innings they have put up stiff resistance so far, but are still 61 runs behind England with just five wickets remaining.
Saturday’s game didn’t start until 2.45pm and England were frustrated by Marnus Labuschagne and Mitchell Marsh.
Labuschagne – who has struggled so far in the series – reached a great hundred, while Marsh was more careful than usual and made it to 31 at the end of the game.
An inspection by the umpires is scheduled at 11 AM, provided there are no further showers
Ben Stokes’ side are in a race against time to prevent Australia from retaining the Ashes
England were also hampered by poor lighting, meaning at one point the umpires told Stokes to take his trousers off and could only bowl spinners.
However, Root made a crucial break as he dismissed Labuschagne with one that bounced, with Bairstow making a good catch on the second try.
If Australia escaped with a draw they would keep the urn as they have the ashes.
Nevertheless, Pat Cummins will be desperate to win the series outright at the Oval next week as Australia have not won in England since 2001.