Rain delays start of final day at Old Trafford

Scott Bailey | July 23, 2023

The start of the final day of the fourth Ashes Test has been delayed after overnight downpours turned into early-morning rain in Manchester,

With Australia desperately trying to cling on for the draw that will retain the Ashes, umpires were forced to abort an 11am pitch inspection when light rain returned to Old Trafford. 

Some 20mm has already fallen in the 24 hours to 11am on Sunday morning, and while there have been brief pockets of clear air, a soggy outfield looms as an ongoing issue.

Light rain is expected to continue in patches throughout day five, meaning any play could be in short bursts if the field is able to be dried in time.

Play can be extended to make up an hour of lost time, but the gloomy Manchester skies could make that difficult.

If play does resume, Australia will start the final day on 5-214, still needing another 61 runs to make England bat again.

A draw would ensure Australia retain the Ashes as holders, since the best England could then hope for would be a 2-2 series result with a win in the fifth Test.

Victory in Manchester for the hosts, however, would level the series at 2-2 headed into Thursday’s finale at The Oval.