Ashes Day Four at Old Trafford ‘heavily delayed’ by rain in Manchester, as England seek to level the series against Australia

Heavy rain has postponed the start of Day Four action of the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford in Manchester.

After England’s first innings total of 592, they are in control of the fixture, with Australia still 162 runs behind, having already lost four wickets in their second innings, including Steve Smith and Travis Head. 

Whilst there were fears that the rain would wash out the day, England fans remained hopeful that some Saturday action could take place at Old Trafford.

England Cricket posted their update on Twitter, saying: ‘The update nobody wanted…

‘We’re going to be heavily delayed at Old Trafford as the rain is still falling in Manchester.’

Play at Old Trafford on the fourth day of the Ashes has been held up by the inevitable rain

Australia trail by 162 runs after the hosts posted an impressive batting total in the first innings

England Cricket said that action would be ‘heavily delayed’, with covers still on the pitch

England led by 275 runs after the first innings, with their high batting score, including an unbeaten 99 for wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow. 

The Fourth Test looks set to be a turning point of the entire series, especially as the hosts remain in control, with Australia requiring a significant number of runs to force England’s batters back onto the field.  

Nasser Hussain was particularly vocal in his praise of Mark Wood’s bowling, which included three senior Aussie scalps before the close of play on Friday.

Friday’s action was also briefly held up by rain – although it looks like Saturday’s hold-up will be considerably longer than the preceding day’s break. 

Josh Hazlewood admitted that Australia were praying for the rain to help them out after England’s strong showing on Friday, which left Australia on 113-4. 

The Met Office has predicted a wet and gloomy forecast for most of Saturday in Manchester

The weather forecast offered the visitors a glimmer of hope. Mail Sport reported that the UK Met Office has predicted a wet and gloomy forecast for most of Saturday. Outbreaks of rain, heavy at times, are predicted to occur throughout the day.

The chance of precipitation will be as high as 95 per cent throughout most of this morning. The maximum temperature for today is set to be 17 °C.

The visitors lead the test 2-1 after a strong opening to their Ashes series, but fans of the hosts have been vocal about their hopes of turning it around to win 3-2 – although that is highly dependant on whether this Test will be completed in the coming days. 

The players can take lunch at midday – an hour earlier than usual – but it may still be an uphill battle to get action underway at 1pm, with puddles visible on the pitch, and hardy souls at Old Trafford seen with umbrellas.