Welcome to Manchester climate watch — in any other case referred to as our day 4 Ashes weblog.
All eyes are on the sky and Josh Hazlewood even conceded after yesterday Australia wants the heavens to open up for many of day 4 and 5 to keep away from defeat within the fourth Test.
England wants an additional six wickets to sq. the Ashes at 2-2, with Australia nonetheless trailing by 162 runs.
The subject for Ben Stokes and his aspect is heavy rain is already falling in Manchester and threatens to wipe out a lot of the final two days of the Test.
If Australia can maintain on and keep away from defeat, it can retain the Ashes no matter what occurs at The Oval within the fifth Test.
Follow the newest climate and cricket updates beneath.
7.35PM: ‘GREATEST TRAVESTY’ — PIERS UNLEASHES
Broadcaster Piers Morgan has unleashed on the morning of day 4 of the fourth Test, saying will probably be “the greatest travesty in the history of Ashes cricket” if Australia retains the urn due to rain.
Morgan, who has been concerned in a twitter tit for tat with former Aussie fast Merv Hughes all through the collection, described the Australian aspect as “trampled, battered, beleaguered, Bazballed, desperate, white-flag-flying”.
There isn’t any signal of play in Manchester this morning, in accordance with our man on the bottom Daniel Cherny.
Not perfect for Piers.
Now we wait and see if Merv has one thing to say in reply…
Meanwhile, Mark Taylor offers a circumstances replace from a moist Old Trafford: “Not great for people who want to watch the cricket but the forecast is not good,” he says on Channel 9. “Talking about 16 degree max. 90 per cent chance of rain or greater all day here.
“The forecast for tomorrow is not great either. It is terrible news for spectators and commentators and what have you but great news for Australia because the chance to play today is only slight.”
7.15PM: ATHERTON — AUSTRALIA MAY NOT RECOVER FROM THIS
Former England skipper Mike Atherton says Australia might be left with psychological scars from its Manchester mauling.
England is six wickets from making the Ashes 2-2, with climate the one hope for Australia to remain forward within the collection.
Writing in his common Times column, Atherton mentioned of the Australians: “They were ragged again at times and their fast bowlers were treated with disdain so there must surely be some psychological effect from this pulverising if the series is still alive next week.”
He later added: “Stokes has Australia exactly where he wants them, on the ropes and on the defensive.”
Whether England will get an opportunity to land the knockout blows in Manchester stays to be seen although.
READ MIKE ATHERTON’S FULL ASHES COLUMN HERE
6.45PM: IT’S VERY WET IN MANCHESTER
English cricket followers have woken to the news they dreaded.
It’s pouring rain in Manchester.
The hourly forecast for a lot of day 4 predicted a 90-100 per cent likelihood of rain and the covers have been on at Old Trafford this morning as rain falls in England’s north.
Local media is reporting England could get its crack at Australia from about midday-4pm native time, however the forecast exterior that’s grim in case you’re an English fan.
PRESSURE ON CUMMINS AFTER AUSSIES’ MANCHESTER DEBACLE
Pat Cummins’ time as Australia captain is up in accordance with one former participant predicting he’ll resign after the Ashes collection.
Two days of forecast rain in Manchester is about the one factor that may save Australia from handing England a series-levelling win at Old Trafford.
Mark Wood ran by Australia’s prime order to go away the Aussies 4-113 of their second innings at stumps on day three, nonetheless 162 runs away from making the hosts bat once more.
Marnus Labuschagne grafted his option to 44 not out, whereas Mitch Marsh was unbeaten on one.
England had earlier amassed 592 in 107.4 overs because the rudderless vacationers capitulated within the subject.
The Aussies will retain the Ashes with a draw on this match however realistically will want the climate on their aspect to take action.
It appears religion within the captain is waning too with former Victorian state captain Darren Berry venting his frustrations.
“This is unwatchable,” Berry tweeted. “This is absolutely insane to anyone watching this s**t with half a clue about the game. Enough is enough now … keep banging em in lads WTF.
“Pat Cummins is a magnificent cricketer no doubt but remember this msg — he will resign from the captaincy after the Ashes series. The question is do they go back to Smudge or move forward to Head or Marsh?”
The UK media is being equally essential of the Aussie captain saying ‘Australia look like a team without a leader’.
“The horrors visited upon Pat Cummins these past three days look to have aged him about 30 years, with his billboard-friendly face redrawn into a mask of Bazball-induced torment,” Oliver brown wrote within the Telegraph.
“It has been a zombie display by the normally ebullient Australia captain. In every department, Cummins has exhibited the reverse-Midas touch.
“Here in Manchester, playing his fifth Test in six weeks, he has resembled a man running on fumes. Regrettably, doubts over Cummins are multiplying with every misstep he makes.”
Originally printed as Ashes cricket 2023: Australia v England fourth Test scorecard, day 4 protection
Source: www.news.com.au
