Rain delays start of day three at Headingley Ashes Test

Scott Bailey | July 8, 2023

Australia’s push for their first Ashes series win in England in 22 years has been halted by rain, with wet weather delaying the start of day three at Headingley.

A heavy downpour began about an hour before play was due to start on Saturday, with full covers deployed across the pitch and an early lunch called.

It means play cannot restart before 1.10pm (10.10pm AEST) and while there is hope conditions will improve, further rain is predicted later in the afternoon.

When play does start, Australia will resume on 4-116 and with a lead of 142 in the third innings.

Rain is also forecast for late on Sunday and through Monday afternoon, although with the pace at which the Test has so far been played a result is still likely.

A win for Australia would give them an unassailable 3-0 lead and wrap up their first series win in England since 2001.

A draw would mean Australia retain the Ashes, although the players have made it clear they are in England with the aim of winning the series.

“It’s always about winning a series outright, so that’s the goal,” captain Pat Cummins said before the Test got under way. 

“We want to win one of these last three Test matches.

“We’re up for a win. A draw would be good in that it would retain the Ashes but we’ll be going after a win.”

England enter day three with a degree of confidence, drawing on successful chases of 296, 362 and 322 in their last three fourth-innings finishes at Headingley.