More rain forces Ashes restart to be aborted

Scott Bailey | July 23, 2023

England’s bid to beat Australia in Manchester and level the Ashes series at 2-2 has taken another hit, with more rain forcing a planned start to the last day of the fourth Test to be aborted.

After the first session was officially washed out, umpires inspected the ground aiming to approve a 1pm start time.

However, within minutes of them leaving the ground and England’s players beginning to warm up, rain began to fall again.

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 make for the first 2-2 scoreline headed into the final Ashes Test since 1936-37.

The main concern at Old Trafford remains the outfield, after 20mm of rain fell in the 24 hours to 11am on Sunday morning.

The dampness of the ground is likely to make reverse swing difficult for England’s quicks if play is possible, while there is every chance poor light could eventually mean only spin can be bowled.

Up to an hour of play can be made up, but that could prove difficult under the gloomy Manchester skies.