England lost their significant chance of winning the Ashes as the final day washed out due to rain in Old Trafford.

Manchester: Australia retained their Ashes trophy as the final day of the Phenomenal fourth test between England and Australia was washed out due to rain in Old Trafford on Sunday. For England, It was a must-win game to draw the Ashes series 2-2 as they were in a comfortable position to win the game but the rain had other plans.

Highlights of the fourth test in Manchester in England

The game began with a disciplined batting display by Australia with David Warner scoring 32, Marnus Labuschagne scoring 51, Steve Smith scoring 41, and Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh scoring 48 and 51 respectively. But none of them managed to convert those starts into a big knock. Chris Woakes four wickets in a day but Stuart Broad steals the limelight by claiming his 600th wicket.

Day 2 began with Woaked taking his Five wicket haul, restricting Australia to 317. Almost every England batter stood up with their Fantastic knocks but highlights in their batting were Zack Crwley scoring 189, Joe Root scoring 84, and Jonny Bairstow scoring Phonominal 99 which sets the platform for England. Resulting, England took a huge lead of 275 despite Josh Hazelwood’s five-wicket haul.

Mark Wood introduced himself furiously on day 3 with his Amazing spells. The weather forecast didn’t look good for the next two days of the match. On day 4, rain washed out the first session of the match. However, Australia made a great comeback with Marnus Labuschagne scoring an impressive century with an amazing partnership with Mitchell Marsh. Joe Root being a saviour for England breaks the partnership by getting Marnus out but rain destroys the party for England as expected. 

Australia were trailing by 61 runs on day 5 and England had to take 5 more wickets to bat again, but rain washed out the whole day later destroying the chance of win for England resulting in losing the Ashes series where they could have won comfortably, but Manchester’s rain had some other plans. 

What did Ben Stokes have to say about the Ashes?

England Skipper Ben Stokes in a post-match conference said, “It is tough one to take, The kind of cricket we played on the first three days but to be on the losing side is difficult. But it’s part of the journey. He added, “Bowling them out for 320 and scoring 590, we couldn’t do much. We’ll have a lot of pride to play the next game. He added he was pleased with everyone’s effort during the series.”

He also acknowledged the spectacular knocks of Zak Crawley saying he can take games away from opponents by the way he plays the game. When asked about having regrets on early declaration in Edgbaston, England Skipper replied, NO. He wanted the crowd to come out and support them in the last remaining match. He added he wants to continue the legacy of the team regardless of results.

Veteran Batter Michael Atherton said England have missed opportunities in the past in this series. He mentioned England could have one easily in the first test match in Edgbaston. But it’s cruel for England that two days of rain ruined their chance of winning the game.

Pat Cummins in the post-match conference 

Australian Skipper Pat Cummins in Post match conference said He is absolutely happy after retaining the Ashes. He appreciated England’s batting by saying, “They batted really well, we tried a couple of plans but it didn’t work. He added winning here doesn’t change their focus on the next game.

He further added he is proud of his group and it feels good to win the Ashes, He said they still have some improvements to do for next week and it’s pretty much same group as 2019.

Australian bowler said on before day 4 that he would be very pleased if it rains, He added rain and light plays a big part in cricket, which it has done forever. Forecasts change all the time. He further said it would make their job easier if it rains as it will help in losing a few overs here and there.