Marnus Labuschagne scores gritty century as Australia star leads spirited fightback for tourists in wet Manchester against England

Marnus Labuschagne has dug in to score a gutsy century as the Australia star lead a spirited fightback for the tourists on a wet Day 4 in Manchester.

England had a chance to try to level the Ashes series at Old Trafford after rain finally blew away in the north west.

With the first session of day four entirely washed out, the game was able to resume at 2:45pm with up to 59 overs available to be bowled on Saturday.

That was, however, unlikely given more wet weather is forecast for later on Saturday afternoon.

The national weather service has also issued a warning for heavy downpours on day five.

But England were given some time to run through Australia, who resumed on 4-113, still needing 162 more runs to make the hosts bat again.

However, they came up against a determined Labuschagne and Mitch Marsh, who worked well to dampen the ball on the outfield to reduce the threat of the likes of James Anderson, Chris Woakes and Mark Wood. 

He almost threw his wicket away on 93 after nicking a Joe Root ball towards Zak Crawley, but the England opener failed to react quickly enough and Labuschagne instead scored a four.

The No 3 then scurried through for a quick single to secure his century – only his second scored overseas in Test cricket – and gracefully raised his bat towards the Australian balcony, who commended his efforts. 

More to follow.