At the tip of the day’s play, Australia stood at 214/5 of their 2nd innings, nonetheless trailing England by means of 61 runs. England had posted a commanding first-innings general of 592.
The spotlight of the day used to be Joe Root‘s the most important dismissal of the Australian century-maker Marnus Labuschagne, Labuschagne performed a resilient innings of 111, his first Test century on English soil, irritating the England bowlers.
England, these days trailing 1-2 within the five-match collection, should safe a victory at Old Trafford to stay alive their hopes of regaining the Ashes.
Labuschagne and Mitchell Marsh proved to be bold adversaries for England’s bowlers, placing on a century partnership for the 5th wicket. However, Joe Root’s occasional off-spin sooner or later supplied the step forward.
Labuschagne tried a lower shot off Root however simplest controlled to edge the ball to wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow, who held directly to a juggled catch. The on-field umpire to start with gave Labuschagne now not out, however England’s overview showed touch with the bat, leaving Australia at 211/5.
When play resumed on Saturday at 1345 GMT, Australia had been at 113/4, nonetheless trailing England by means of 162 runs. England’s first innings were powered by means of an excellent knock of 189 from opener Zak Crawleysupported by means of Jonny Bairstow’s unbeaten 99.
Mark Wood had delivered a powerful efficiency on Friday, taking 3 key wickets to push aside Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, and Travis Head, however England’s bowlers confronted demanding situations at the penultimate day.
In the face of the danger of unhealthy mild and the potential for being taken off the sphere, the England captain Ben Stokes Deployed off-spinner Moeen Ali in tandem with Root to maximise taking part in time. Labuschagne’s brave knocks, together with two sixes off Root, stored Australia’s hopes alive.
However, England’s efforts had been as soon as once more thwarted by means of rain, resulting in a halt in play.
With a draw on this Test, Australia, because the holders, will retain the Ashes, irrespective of the outcome within the 5th and ultimate Test at The Oval subsequent week.
(With inputs from AFP)