Ashes 2023: Lucky Australia retain Ashes after rain washes out Day 5 of fourth Test in Manchester

Australia, who were five down for 214 in the second innings, were just 61 runs ahead of England when rain interrupted the game. Notably, Day 4 of the game also saw just 30 overs of play. With the draw, Australia retained the Ashes trophy as England can now no longer beat them in the 5-Test series. The current trophy holder now leads the series 2-1.

Further, this Test is the first draw Test for England since the Ben Stokes-Brendon McCullum partnership began last year. Visitors Australia will now head into the final Test at The Oval in London with a chance of registering their first Test series in England since 2001.

The Three Lions beat them in 2005 in one of the most famous Ashes series. They also won the 2009, 2013 and 2015 editions. Australia managed to pull off a draw in 2019, the last time they were in England for the iconic five-match Test series.

“Our preference is to come over and win, but nice to retain, something to be proud of. Result is the same as [2019] but the feeling is different. Doesn’t change how we look at the Oval next week. In the last year or two, [I’ve dreamed of lifting the urn]. It’ll be special, but more special if we get a win,” Australia captain Pat Cummins said after the draw.

Ben Stokes, on the other hand, mulled the lost opportunity to level the series 2-2.

“Tough one to take, playing the cricket we played then to get on the wrong side of the weather. All part of the journey. We knew the task at hand which played into our hands. Do or die, bowling them out then scoring 570 at six an over, couldn’t have done too much more. Lot of pride to play for,” he said.

The fifth and last Test match will kick off from July 27.