The expected horrible weather has arrived in Manchester as Australia tries to save the fourth Ashes Test against England. With rain and dark clouds looming over Old Trafford, the Aussies may just have a shot at pulling off a great escape.
England has dominated this Test match, needing a win to prevent Australia from retaining the Ashes. However, as day four opens, Australia will begin their second innings on 4-113, still 162 runs away from making England bat again.
If the weather clears, Australia’s hopes lie with Marnus Labuschagne (44 not out) and Mitch Marsh (1 no). They will need to deliver an exceptional performance considering the under-fire Pat Cummins and his men are desperate for the covers to remain on the Old Trafford wicket.
Unfortunately, there is no chance of any cricket early on as the weather in Manchester is dreadful. Former Australian Test cricket captain Mark Taylor shared the forecast, stating there is a 90% chance of rain all day and the same is expected for the following day.
While terrible news for spectators and commentators at the ground, the rain is seen as a stroke of luck for the Australian side. They will be hoping for a draw to retain the urn, holding a 2-1 series lead with one Test to play.
England’s dominance continued on day three as they posted a mammoth total of 592 all out, their first score of more than 500 in a home Ashes Test since 1985. Six of England’s top seven batsmen made at least 50 runs, a feat they haven’t achieved since 1930. Jonny Bairstow’s unbeaten 99 further added to the humiliation inflicted on Australia.
Mark Wood, who removed Steve Smith and Travis Head late on day three, is proving to be a key player for England. Smith’s lean series continued as he fell for just 17, adding to his disappointing scores apart from a first innings century at Lord’s. Head also couldn’t withstand Wood’s pace, making just one run before deflecting a catch to Ben Duckett at gully.
With six wickets remaining and a significant effort needed to ask England to bat again, rain remains Australia’s only real hope. If the match ends in a draw, Australia will retain the urn. However, they will need the weather to work in their favor to achieve that outcome.
This Ashes Test has seen England dominate, setting records and inflicting humiliation on the Australian team. The weather now adds an interesting twist to the match, creating an opportunity for Australia to escape with a draw. As cricket fans await the fate of the fourth Ashes Test, the unpredictable English weather might just be the savior Australia needs.
