‘Blockbuster nahi rainbuster Sunday loading’ – Fans react as rain-affected Day 4 hampers England’s chances; draw looms large in 4th Ashes Test

Ashes (Source: Twitter)

It was the rain that dominated the play on Day 4 of the fourth Test between England and Australia in Ashes 2023. The weather always looked gloomy for the fourth day of the Test in Old Trafford, Manchester, and it seems the weather could play a spoilsport on the final day as well. The poor scheduling might take away the joy of a terrific fifth-day contest between the two sides from the audience.

The rain was forgiving at times on the day as the game was played for about a couple of hours in the day. 30 overs were bowled in the fourth day and Australia scored 101 runs in the period and lost only the wicket of Marnus Labuschagne. 98 overs are to be bowled on the last day with Australia trailing by 61 more runs.

Marnus Labuschagne shines with the bat

Marnus Labuschagne continued from where he left off on Day 3. The number 3 batter of Australia was on 44 after Day 3 and scored freely on the fourth day as well. Mitchell Marsh interestingly played second fiddle to the man in form. Labuschagne scored all over the park and looked in very good touch. Marsh negated the English bowlers with his defence.

The duo was involved in a 103-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Marnus registered his 11th Test hundred, the first in England, and was applauded by his teammates and the crowd. England could not dominate the Test on the fourth day as they would have expected. But towards the end of the day, Joe Root got the big wicket of Labuschagne and gave some hope to the home side.

The forecast is not good for the fifth day. Rain is certain to interrupt the match for most of the day. If that happens, the match is likely to end in a draw, which would ensure Australia retains the urn. England will be hoping for the rain gods to show mercy on them. With the ball, England has been good and if they continue the same with rain permitting the play, the match and series could be on.

Here’s how the fans reacted to the day’s play –