Welcome to news.com.au’s protection of Day 5 of the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford.
Only 30 overs had been bowled on Day 3 with Australia 5/214 of their second innings, nonetheless trailing England by 61 runs.
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Marnus Labuschagne’s gritty century probably saved the match for Australia, as he placed on an important partnership with Mitch Marsh (31 not out), who was joined by Cameron Green (3 not out) on the crease.
All indicators level to the rain-affected match ending in a whimpering draw, can be sufficient for Australia to retain the Ashes heading into the fifth Test.
7.32pm – Pitch inspection
It isn’t raining at the moment at Old Trafford, however there’s some misty rain hovering across the floor.
A pitch inspection is scheduled for 8pm AEST.
7pm – Rain forecast is England’s worst nightmare
Just when England began to dominate the Ashes, the UK’s pesky rain needed to wreak havoc on their hopes of pulling off a outstanding collection comeback after turning the screws on Australia within the final two Tests.
All eyes are on Manchester’s climate forecast on Sunday, and it doesn’t make for fairly studying for England.
There is a 90 per cent probability of rain within the Manchester forecast, so we’d not see many overs bowled in any respect.
“Wet morning with heavy and persistent rain. Rain continuing throughout much of the day, turning somewhat lighter and more showery during the afternoon with some brief drier spells,” the Met Office forecast for Sunday.
Marnus Labuschagne stated there was “zero chance” Australia would declare to present England a goal to chase to win the sport.
England’s Stuart Broad stated it could be “unjust” for a rain-affected draw to determine the Ashes.
“Sitting in the changing room watching the rain fall on Saturday, there was a feeling it would be unjust if the weather had a decisive say because it’s been such an incredible few weeks to be a part of,” Broad wrote within the Daily Mail.
“It would be such a damp squib, such an unemotional way for a series between two great rivals to be defined.
“We just need another window to open to complete the job on Sunday.”
Source: www.news.com.au
