Overnight rain to delay start of play at Old Trafford

Scott Bailey | July 23, 2023

Rain will delay the start of the final day of the fourth Test after a night of heavy downpours in Manchester.

With Australia desperately trying to cling on for the draw that will ensure they retain the Ashes, officials have confirmed umpires will inspect the Old Trafford pitch at 11am to decide when play can start.

That is contingent on no further rain at Old Trafford, after 20mm fell in the 24 hours to 10am on Sunday morning.

That rain did ease slightly after the sun rose on Sunday, giving the ground staff a chance to begin the process of drying the soggy outfield.

But more rain is expected to come and go throughout day five, meaning it could be a case of short bursts on and off the field.

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.