‘Dar ka mahol hai’ – Fans react as Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood hopes for rain on fourth Test of Ashes 2023 in Old Trafford

Josh Hazlewood (Source: Twitter)

The fourth Test of the Ashes 2023 between England and Australia has come to a decisive stage. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, the Ben Stokes-led England restricted Australia to a total of 317 runs on a good batting wicket. Chris Woakes shined with the ball for England as he picked up a five-wicket haul and destroyed the Australian lineup.

England lost Ben Duckett early in their innings. From there, nothing stopped the English batters. Zack Crawley played the innings of his life and tormented the Australian bowlers. Moeen Ali supported Crawley well and scored 54(82). Joe Root batted well after some failures and scored 84(95). Crawley scored 189 runs in just 182 deliveries.

The fun lasted a bit more, as Ben Stokes, Harry Brook, and Jonny Bairstow scored fifty as well. Harry Brook scored 61(100), and Stokes made 51 in 74 deliveries. Bairstow toyed with the Australian bowlers and scored a brisk unbeaten 99 in 81 deliveries. Unfortunately, the Yorkshireman could not score a Test hundred. England scored a whopping 592 runs in their first innings.

‘Pleased if rain arrives’ – Josh Hazlewood

A lead of 275 runs was a lot in the Test. It almost ensured that England could not lose the match from that stage. With that confidence, England bowlers attacked the Australian batters with bouncers. Mark Wood and Chris Woakes bowled exceptionally well. James Anderson was economical from his end. Australia lost four batters in the process and was reduced to 113/4 at the end of the third day.

With a deficit of 162 runs, Australia is behind in the game. Unfortunately for England, the forecast is bad, as rain is set to affect the game on Saturday and Sunday. Speaking about the same, Josh Hazlewood hoped for rain. The Australian pacer said, “I would be very pleased if rain arrives at Old Trafford” and expected rain to save them. If the Test ends in a draw, Australia will retain the Ashes. A win is very crucial for the home side.

Here’s how the fans reacted to Hazlewood’s comments –