The fourth match of the five-match Ashes series between Australia and England ended in a draw in Manchester. With this, the Australian team retained possession of the Ashes. Even if the England team wins the fifth Test match, it will be able to draw the series 2-2. Australia had won 4-0 in the last Ashes series between the two countries. Being the defending champion, the trophy will remain with the Kangaroo team. The fifth Test match between the two teams will be played at The Oval from 27 July.
Due to rain, not a single ball was bowled on the fifth day (July 23) at Manchester’s Old Trafford ground. The umpires decided to call off play on the fifth day after waiting for a long time. Australian players got drenched in celebration as soon as the match was drawn. The rain had also disrupted the fourth day’s play. If the rain had not come, England would have had the best chance of winning this match.
A special Test match, for so many reasons, is cut short by the rain.
Stumps have been called. The match is drawn. Onto the Oval. #EnglandCricket , #Ashes pic.twitter.com/9whkRHqmMT
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 23, 2023
The Australian team had scored 214 runs for five wickets in their second innings, after which not a single ball could be played. The Australian team was 61 runs behind England and was in danger of an innings defeat, but rain dashed England’s hopes. In the second innings for the Australian team, Marnus Labushen played a brilliant inning of 111 runs.
England scored 592 runs in their first innings
England’s batsmen presented a view of ‘baseball’ cricket in this match. England scored 592 runs in 107.4 overs and during this time its run rate was 5.49. For England, opener Jack Crowley scored 189 runs in just 182 balls, which included 21 fours and three sixes.
Crowley first shared a 121-run partnership for the second wicket with Moeen Ali. Then he made a partnership of 206 runs with experienced batsman Joe Root. Moin faced 82 balls and scored 54 runs, which included seven fours. At the same time, Joe Root scored 84 runs in 95 balls. Root hit 8 fours and a six in his innings. Later Johnny Bairstow (99 * runs) and Ben Stokes played stormy innings. England got a lead of 275 runs on the basis of the first innings.
Australia’s first innings was limited to 317 runs
Let us tell you that the first innings of the Australian team was reduced to 317 runs. Mitchell Marsh and Marnus Labushen played innings of 51-51 runs. At the same time, important runs came off the bat of Travis Head (48), Mitchell Starc (36 *) and Steve Smith (41). Chris Woakes took the maximum five wickets for England.
fourth test match
Australian team– 1st innings: 317 and 2nd innings: 214/5
England team– 1st innings: 592 runs