The fourth Ashes 2023 Test match between England and Australia concluded in a draw as persistent r🌠ain washed away the entire Day 5 at Old Trafford in Manchester. After a brilliant century by Marnus Labuschagne on Day 4, Australia managed to keep themselves in the contestꦑ and remained in pursuit of a draw.
By the end of Day 5, they had reached a score of 214/5, still trailing England’s massive first innings total of 592 by 61 runs. England, with a strong performance in this Test, had been hopeful of leveling the series and were on the verge of a potential victory.
However, fate had other plans as incessant rain disrupted play, thwarting England’s chances of a triumph. The draw leaves Australia in the driver’s seat, leading the 5-match series 2-1. The visitors, who have retained the Ashes after this drawn match, claimed victory in the first two games, but England made a spirited comeback in the third Test to register a win.
All eyes now turn to the fifth and final Test, scheduled to commence on July 27 at Kennington Oval in London. For England, the upcoming Test presents a do-or-die situation as they have only one choice – to secure a win and level the series. On the other hand, a draw or another victory from the tourists would see Australia clinch the coveted Ashes title.
As anticipation builds for the final Test, cricket enthusiasts remai♉n hopeful that the weather gods will be kinder in London, allowing for an exhilar🧜ating and decisive end to this fiercely contested Ashes series.
Here is how Twitter reacted:
A special Test match, for so m⛄any reasons, is cut short by the rain.
Stumps have been called.﷽ The match is drawn.🅰 Onto the Oval. |
— England Cricket (@englandcricket)
That’s that.
Match drawn and Australia retain the Ashes 🥲
An 𒐪unbelievable effort from the England team and still a chanꩲce to draw the series at the Oval 🙏
— England's Barmy Army 🏴🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy)
It’s over.𒁏 A draw has officially been called and Australia have retained the Ashes.
— Scott Bailey (@ScottBaileyAAP)
Australia retain the 🏆
Rain prevents further playܫ and the fourth Test is drawn! 👀
England still have a chance to level the series at The 📖Oval 💪 | | 📝
— ICC (@ICC)
4th♛ Test ends in a draw;🍰 Australia retain the Ashes
— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ)
— australian womens cricket🅺 with very little context (@awcwvlc)
Australia retains Ashes.
— Peter Lalor (@plalor)
That'll do! The Old Trafford Test is a draw meaning we retain the ! 🇦🇺
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus)
AUSTRALIA HAVE RETAINED THE ASHES…!!
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra)
If, as seems inevitable now, Australia escape with a draw, this will be an absolutely thumping moral victory for England. Add in the two moral victories in the first two Tests and thi๊s series has been a total moral thrashing. Concerning for Cummins and his team.
— Dan Liebke (@LiebCricket)
That'll do! The Old Trafford Test is a draw meaning we'll retain the ! 🇦🇺
— Beep Joy (@BiplobkBeejoy)