Crawley boosts England, rain prevents win: 4th Test (Manchester)

The 4th Test of the 2023 Ashes at Old Trafford, Manchester, ended in a rain-affected draw, allowing Australia to retain the Ashes with a 2–1 series lead.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Australia posted 317 in the first innings, with fifties from Labuschagne and Marsh, while Chris Woakes and Mark Wood starred with the ball for England.

In response, England produced a dominant batting display, led by a blistering 189 from Zak Crawley and 99* from Jonny Bairstow, piling up 592 and securing a lead of 275.

Australia, facing pressure, fought back in their second innings with a resolute century from Labuschagne, reaching 214/5.

However, persistent rain on Day 4 and Day 5 washed out play, denying England a likely victory and resulting in a draw.

Australia 317 (Labuschagne 51, Marsh 51, Woakes 5-62) and 214 for 5 (Labuschagne 111) drew with England 592 (Crawley 189, Bairstow 99*, Root 84, Brook 61, Moeen 54, Stokes 51, Hazlewood 5-126).

July 2023.