Old Trafford Ashes Test is HALTED in bizarre circumstances after Marnus Labuschagne and David Warner complain of light reflecting off unoccupied plastic seats

Play on Day 1 of the fourth Ashes Test in Manchester on Wednesday was briefly halted in bizarre circumstances, after Marnus Labuschagne complained of being disturbed by sunshine reflecting off some unoccupied seats.

Halfway through the 14th over at Old Trafford, the Aussie batter signalled to the umpires there was an issue behind the bowler’s arm at the James Anderson End.

A number of plastic seats appeared to be reflecting bright sunlight directly into Labuschagne’s eyes, much to his irritation.

The issue appeared to be originating from a number of seats in front and below a big white screen in front of the old pavilion.

Drinks were taken, while Stuart Broad directed fans up to the back row, where the sunlight appeared to be reflecting off the bolts and bases of the seats.

Ground staff taped some of the bolts bases to minimise the glare, before play eventually resumed after a short break as the sun disappeared behind the clouds.

Sunshine surprisingly halted play in Manchester on Day 1 of the fourth Ashes Test

David Warner (left) and Marnus Labuschagne (right) complained of the issue to the umpires

Stuart Broad (right) took matters into his own hands and asked spectators to fill the seats

The unscheduled break appeared to disrupt Warner’s rhythm, with the Aussie opener departing shortly afterward after nicking behind off the bowling of Chris Woakes for 32.

Warner had started well but played a needlessly aggressive shot as Woakes floated one just wide of off stump slightly short of a length, with Jonny Bairstow gratefully accepting the nick.

Earlier, Broad had notched his 599th Test wicket by removing Usman Khawaja LBW for 3 in the fifth over.

England won the toss and elected to bowl in a Test they have to win to keep the Ashes series alive, while Australia will return the urn if they avoid defeat in Manchester.