Headingley rain washes out most of day three

Scott Bailey | July 9, 2023

Australia’s push for their first Ashes series win in England in 22 years has been halted by rain, with wet weather washing out the first two sessions 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 tea was called.

It means play cannot restart before 3.30pm (12.30am AEST), however with further rain forecast later in the day there is some chance the entire day may be lost.

If play does start, Australia will resume on 4-116 and with a lead of 142 in the third innings with Travis Head 18 not out and Mitch Marsh unbeaten on 17.

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 arrived on 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.