Rain once again dashed England’s chances of forcing a series-leveling victory in the fourth Ashes Test, which was held at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The inclement weather also caused a delay in the beginning of the last day of the match.
Heavy rain fell during the night, leaving the outfield saturated. An inspection by the umpires was due to take place at the scheduled start time of 11:00 am (1000 GMT), however it had to be postponed because additional rains started falling on the Manchester venue.
However, despite the fact that some courageous onlookers were still taking refuge behind umbrellas, ground personnel started removing the coverings at 11:45 am (10:45 GMT) in preparation for the start of mopping-up operations.
After just 30 overs were able to be played on the fourth day of the match due to rain, Australia’s current score in their second innings is 214-5. They are still 61 runs behind England’s first-innings score of 592.
During that time, England only managed to capture one wicket, which was achieved by part-time off-spinner Joe Root when he had Marnus Labuschagne caught behind. However, this was after the Australia No. 3 had held up the winning push for the hosts with 111 runs.
The home side captained by Ben Stokes needs a victory at Old Trafford to even the series at 2-2 and force a decider in the fifth and final Test match to be played at the Oval in London the following week.
Old Trafford is renowned for weather delays in test matches; the venue has seen a total of 24 whole days of play in test cricket washed out, in addition to two entire tests being called off due to inclement weather. However, a draw would be enough for Australia, the current owners, to be certain of keeping the Ashes.
After limiting the reigning world test champions Australia to 317 runs in their first innings of this match, England raced to 592 runs before being bowled out. This was made possible in large part by opener Zak Crawley’s magnificent 189 and Jonny Bairstow’s undefeated 99 runs.
On Friday, fast bowler Mark Wood blasted through the top order of Australia’s batting lineup with an outstanding burst of 3-17, removing Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, and Travis Head from the game.
On Saturday, though, Australia was successful in keeping England at bay thanks to a partnership of 103 between all-rounder Mitchell Marsh (31 not out) and batsman Labuschagne.
In the history of the Ashes, England is trying to become only the second team ever to win a series after falling down 2-0.
This deficit was overcome by the Australia side of 1936/37, led by batting great Don Bradman, who ultimately led them to a 3-2 victory.
After a nail-biting opening encounter at Edgbaston, which they won by two wickets, they went on to win the second match at Lord’s by a score of 43 runs.
In the third and final match of the series, which took place at Headingley, England came back from a loss to win by three wickets.