Joe Root dismissed Australian century-maker Marnus Labuschagne however rain returned to Outdated Trafford to frustrate England’s hopes of forcing a series-levelling win within the fourth Take a look at on Saturday.
Solely 30 overs had been bowled through the fourth day when the moist climate swept again in through the revised tea break.
Play was formally deserted for the day at 17:27 GMT.
Australia is 214-5 of their second innings, nonetheless 61 runs behind England, who scored 592 of their first innings.
Labuschagne was the one Australian batsman to lose his wicket on Saturday, however not earlier than he had saved England at bay with an innings of 111 — his first Take a look at century on English soil.
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England, presently 2-1 down within the five-match collection, should win at Outdated Trafford if they’re to keep up its hopes of regaining the Ashes.
Worryingly for the house aspect, the climate forecast for Sunday’s ultimate day in Manchester is horrible.
Pat Cummins’ vacationers thwarted England’s bowlers, with Labuschagne and all-rounder Mitchell Marsh (31 not out) placing on 103 for the fifth wicket.
However occasional off-spinner Root, who got here on after the umpires appeared to warn England captain Ben Stokes that it was too darkish for him to make use of his quick bowlers, made the breakthrough.
Labuschagne tried to chop Root however succeeded solely in edging the ball to wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow, who held a juggled catch.
Nitin Menon initially dominated not out however an England evaluate of the Indian umpire’s choice confirmed the batsman had made contact, leaving Australia 211-5.
When play resumed Saturday at 1345 GMT, Australia was 113-4 — nonetheless 162 runs behind England, whose first innings featured a shocking 189 from opener Zak Crawley and Bairstow’s 99 not out.
Quick bowler Mark Wooden rocked Australia on Friday with three wickets, dismissing Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith and Travis Head, however the residence aspect toiled on Saturday.
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Confronted with the chance the umpires would possibly take the gamers off the sphere for dangerous gentle, and so deprive England of but extra time to pressure a win, Stokes introduced on off-spinner Moeen Ali and bowled him in tandem with Root.
Labuschagne moved to within reach of 100 by twice launching Root excessive over long-on for six.
He had a fortunate break on 93 when he edged Root previous Crawley at slip earlier than a single off Moeen took him to a 161-ball century — Labuschagne’s eleventh hundred in 42 Checks.
England was then left kicking its heels within the altering room because the rain returned.
A draw would imply Australia, because the holders, retain the Ashes whatever the end result within the fifth and ultimate Take a look at on the Oval subsequent week.