Stuart Broad says it would be ‘unjust’ for rain to deprive England of chance to have an Ashes decider with more downpours predicted at Old Trafford
- Stuart Broad says it would be ‘unjust’ if England were left without a decision maker due to rain
- Play was abandoned at Old Trafford with more rain forecast for Sunday
- Australia are at 214 for five and need 61 to get England to bat again
Stuart Broad admits England need ‘luck from the weather gods’ at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Only 30 overs were possible on the fourth day of the fourth Test yesterday, with the hosts picking up just one of Australia’s six remaining wickets, as Joe Root dismissed centurion Marnus Labuschagne.
The tourists go into the final day at 214 for five in their second innings, still needing 61 runs to force England back to bat. But with more rain forecast, Ben Stokes’ side are in a race against time to take a further five wickets and take a win that would take the series to 2-2 ahead of Thursday’s Fifth Test at the Oval.
“We need a bit of luck from the weather gods of Manchester,” Broad wrote in his Mail sports column. “We just need a window to get the job done.
“When I sat in the dressing room yesterday watching the rain, I certainly felt it would be unfair for the weather to have a deciding vote.
Stuart Broad said it would be ‘unjust’ if the rain deters England from a chance at an Ashes decider
Play was abandoned at Old Trafford on the fourth day, leaving Ben Stokes looking aghast
Joe Root removed centurion Marnus Labuschagne but England’s hopes are on the line
“But (coach) Brendon McCullum came up with a phrase this week to keep us calm. We were supposed to play golf on Tuesday and the forecast was horrible, but he said to me, “Boss, we’re too lucky to get wet.” Guess? Much less rain fell than we thought.’
England batting coach Marcus Trescothick says his team has taken heart from hearing Australia are praying for a washout – similar to when the tourists celebrated a draw at Old Trafford en route to losing to the Ashes in 2005.
“It can be a bit dangerous if you start looking for ways other than internally in your team to prevent games from happening or not to lose a game,” Trescothick said.
“Looking back on ’05, it was a crucial point that they celebrated on the balcony. Fingers crossed, we’ll get a few more hours than possible what it looks like.”
Labuschagne, who hit 111 before being trailed by Jonny Bairstow, admits his team has no intention of trying to win.
“It’s about keeping the Ashes — Whatever time we have left, there’s only one option… take the day off,” he said.
Australia are on 214 for five in their second innings and need 61 for England to bat again