The Ashes 2023 LIVE: England vs Australia score and latest updates in fourth Test at Old Trafford

England‘s attempts to level the Ashes series against Australia were stalled by the weather and a resolute hundred from Marnus Labuschagne as rain wiped out much of the fourth day’s play at Old Trafford

Only 30 overs were possible on the penultimate day of the fourth Test, with England unable to make significant further inroads after Australia began in the afternoon on 113 for four, trailing by 162.

Labuschagne combined in strong partnership with Mitchell Marsh, the two batters relatively unflustered even in good bowling conditions with England’s seamers unable to find much movement out of a benign surface.

And after deteriorating light had forced Ben Stokes to bowl Moeen Ali and Joe Root in tandem, Labuschagne brought up his first ton of a difficult ton tour - and only his second Test hundred outside of Australia - having twice heaved Root over cow corner for six.

There was, however, a twist before tea, as a suddenly frenzied Labuschagne feathered an edge through to Jonny Bairstow as Root got his revenge, a not out decision overturned on review to give England hope of victory.

But the rain again intervened during the interval with Australia 214 for five, 61 behind, with a final session washout leaving the hosts hoping for a drier day five, though the forecast is again unencouraging.

England must win the fourth Test to keep their chances of retaining the urn alive, with Australia the current holders of the Ashes and a draw enough to seal at least a squared series ahead of the final encounter at The Oval.

Follow all the live action from day four at Old Trafford as England face Australia:

England vs Australia - fourth Ashes Test, day four

• STUMPS: No play possible in the evening session as Australia close day four on 214/5 (trailing by 61)

• Rain returns during the tea interval

• TEA: Australia 214/5 (trail by 61)

• OUT! Marnus Labuschagne c †Bairstow b Root 111 (173) (Australia 211/5)

• 100! Marnus Labuschagne goes to a fantastic, fighting ton as Australia whittle away the deficit (Aus 199/4, trail by 76)

• Play resumed at 2.45pm BST after rain delay

• Ashes weather forecast as rain threatens England hopes in Manchester

• England chase victory at Old Trafford after Jonny Bairstow and Mark Wood heroics

• The agony and ecstasy of Jonny Bairstow’s 99 not out

Joe Root gives England faint hope as rain and Marnus Labuschagne frustrate hosts

Saturday 22 July 2023 18:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England’s prospects of levelling the Ashes were just about alive after Joe Root claimed the only wicket of a rain-ruined fourth day at Emirates Old Trafford.

Just 30 overs were possible during a gloomy afternoon, with the morning and evening sessions wiped out by the weather, as Australia finished 61 runs behind on 214 for five.

With the forecast dreadful again for the fifth and final day, England badly needed to make inroads but hit a brick wall as Marnus Labuschagne converted his overnight 44 into a vital 111.

Labuschagne has had a lean series by his own high standards but stepped up for his side to nudge them closer to the draw that would guarantee the urn joins them on the flight back to Australia.

At 2-1 down England need to find a way through the showers to square the ledger and force a decider at the Oval next week.

PA

Joe Root gives England faint hope as rain and Marnus Labuschagne frustrate hosts

Ashes weather: Rain threatens England hopes of victory in Manchester

Saturday 22 July 2023 18:47 , Jack Rathborn

England’s hopes of levelling the Ashes against Australia rest on the weather surrounding the Manchester area.

The forecast suggests plenty of rain on Sunday throughout day five at Old Trafford as Ben Stokes’ side push for five wickets to secure victory.

Australia, meanwhile, know a draw would be enough to retain the urn, the tourist 2-1 up with only the fifth and final Test at the Oval to come.

Ashes weather forecast as rain threatens England hopes in Manchester

STUMPS! Australia 214/5 (trail by 61)

Saturday 22 July 2023 18:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

On to day five, then, with an optimistic 98 overs pencilled in, which we won’t get. Will the rain again stall England’s charge towards levelling the series? Australia showed plenty of fighting spirit this afternoon, with Marnus Labuschagne magnificent on his way to his second Test ton on foreign shore and finding sturdy support from Mitchell Marsh. But the landmark seemed imbue the batter with a certain frenetic energy, and fell to a feather behind to Jonny Bairstow off Joe Root to give England renewed hope.

Five wickets for England to get to keep the series alive - we’ll be back tomorrow for more weather watching.

STUMPS! Australia 214/5 (trail by 61)

Saturday 22 July 2023 18:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And there we are - play is officially done for the day.

RAIN STOPS PLAY: Australia 214/5 (trail by 61)

Saturday 22 July 2023 18:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The umpires are wandering out under a shared umbrella, surely to ready to read the last rites on Saturdays’ play. We have to be playing in about 35 minutes, and it hasn’t yet stopped raining...

RAIN STOPS PLAY: Australia 214/5 (trail by 61)

Saturday 22 July 2023 18:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle

We await only official word now, with pools of water forming on the covers and the stands emptying.

RAIN STOPS PLAY: Australia 214/5 (trail by 61)

Saturday 22 July 2023 18:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Tomorrow’s forecast seems to get grimmer every time I look, too. England are 61 in front, or five runs fewer than Jonny Bairstow and James Anderson managed to add together yesterday:

The agony and ecstasy of Jonny Bairstow’s 99 not out

RAIN STOPS PLAY: Australia 214/5 (trail by 61)

Saturday 22 July 2023 18:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Things are considerably drier in Trinidad, where the West Indies’ top order are rallying against India, Kraigg Brathwaite leading the way with a typically resolute unbeaten 67. Debutant Kirk McKenzie, a really talented young left-hander, made a useful 32 as the hosts respond to India’s 438.

Nothing positive to bring you from Old Trafford, though, with any hope that this is just a passing squall apparently misplaced - I reckon we might just be done for the day.

RAIN STOPS PLAY: Australia 214/5 (trail by 61)

Saturday 22 July 2023 17:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There is a new ball due in nine overs, though the light will dictate whether England decide to take it. It’s hard to foresee appreciable improvement on that front, even if we do get back out there tonight - which isn’t looking particularly likely with steady rain falling.

Clarification from the ground is that they have to be back playing by 7pm BST, with the groundstaff estimating that mopping up will take at least 45 minutes - we’re running out of time.

RAIN STOPS PLAY: Australia 214/5 (trail by 61)

Saturday 22 July 2023 17:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

To get a full session in is more than most would have expected tearing the curtains open this morning, but this all feels rather familiar, the rain perhaps having eased a little but few signs of concerted clean-up job as it continues to tumble down. Australia will be delighted to have shown some fight - they had been very, very meek across the first three days of this Test but both Marnus Labuschagne and Mitchell Marsh were decisive and organised in that session. The umpires’ intervention perhaps prevented a more testing period against England’s quicks with a harder replacement ball, but both batters had looked entirely comforable against the seamers.

RAIN STOPS PLAY: Australia 214/5 (trail by 61)

Saturday 22 July 2023 17:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Having said that, we can play on until 7.30pm tonight, so don’t bring forward those dinner reservations just yet. But an already soggy surface isn’t going to much like more moisture.

RAIN STOPS PLAY: Australia 214/5 (trail by 61)

Saturday 22 July 2023 17:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And it is getting even heavier now, right as we were scheduled to resume, with the full complement of covers on. This might well be terminal for today’s play.

TEA: Australia 214/5 (trail by 61)

Saturday 22 July 2023 17:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Bad news, I’m afraid - there was a bit of drizzle in the air as the players exited, and it appears to be intensifying, with the hover cover on and the groundstaff dragging some sheeting out there, too.

Sonia Twigg at Old Trafford

Saturday 22 July 2023 17:10 , Sonia Twigg

Tea: Well after a lot of rain delays, the game finally got underway, but it didn’t quite go how England would have wanted.

For all the talk of quick wickets, it was Marnus Labuschagne and Mitchell Marsh who dominated the session.

Labuschagne brought up only his second Test century outside of Australia, and England looked to be struggling, especially when the umpires deemed it too dark to use their quicks.

Joe Root found the breakthrough, a successful review and Labuschagne was out caught behind, but that won’t be enough for England today with the weather forecast for tomorrow looking increasingly dreadful.

TEA: Australia 214/5 (trail by 61)

Saturday 22 July 2023 17:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

NOT OUT! Australia 214/5 (71), Cameron Green 3, Mitchell Marsh 31, Moeen Ali 0-44 (13) (trail by 61)

Saturday 22 July 2023 17:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England’s four close-in catchers were cockahoop, but there’s no bat involved - clean off the pad before Joe Root scooped it up diving forward.

That’s that for the session.

Review! Australia 214/5 (71), Cameron Green 3, Mitchell Marsh 31, Moeen Ali 0-44 (13) (trail by 61)

Saturday 22 July 2023 17:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Green prods with bat and pad together - squeezed to slip? The umpire says no, again, but England want a look...

Australia 214/5 (70), Cameron Green 3, Mitchell Marsh 31, Joe Root 1-32 (6) (trail by 61)

Saturday 22 July 2023 16:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Six blocks from Mitchell Marsh as England hustle through to try and get as many as they can in before tea. Three minutes left before the break.

Australia 214/5 (69), Cameron Green 3, Mitchell Marsh 31, Moeen Ali 0-44 (12) (trail by 61)

Saturday 22 July 2023 16:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Having appeared placid for a while, this surface is spitting all of a sudden, Cameron Green struck on the midriff as he plants his front foot outside off having already been beaten by the drift once in the over. A maiden from Moeen, and probably his best over yet.

Australia 214/5 (68), Cameron Green 3, Mitchell Marsh 31, Joe Root 1-32 (5) (trail by 61)

Saturday 22 July 2023 16:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Almost another! The complexion of the last ten minutes of this session has totally changed, Australia suddenly right on the defensive. Mitchell Marsh is prodding and poking and nearly picks out Harry Brook in tight on the legside.

Cameron Green is in, by the way, having been very, very scratchy so far on his first visit to England. He can be a nervy starter against spin, too - and I don’t think we’ll be seeing England’s seamers anytime soon.

OUT! Marnus Labuschagne c †Bairstow b Root 111 (173b 10x4 2x6), Australia 211/5 (67.1)

Saturday 22 July 2023 16:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There’s a spike on UltraEdge - Marnus Labuschagne is gone!

A massive moment! Bairstow was adamant that there was a deflection after taking at the second attempt, Labuschagne attempting to cut outside off but again defeated by the extra bounce out of the surface. There’s a visible deviation on the first replay and the more sophisticated technology confirms the nick.

Review!

Saturday 22 July 2023 16:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Jonny Bairstow is certain there is a nick as Marnus Labuschagne cuts - Nitin Menon shakes his head but Ben Stokes sends it upstairs in an instant...

Australia 211/4 (67), Marnus Labuschagne 111, Mitchell Marsh 31, Moeen Ali 0-44 (11) (trail by 64)

Saturday 22 July 2023 16:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A better put together set of six from Moeen, finding his flight. Just a single from it.

Australia 210/4 (66), Marnus Labuschagne 110, Mitchell Marsh 31, Joe Root 0-29 (4) (trail by 65)

Saturday 22 July 2023 16:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England have just gone a little bit flat, obviously a touch irked by the umpires’ imposition, though having to go on with time an obvious issue given the forecast. Joe Root has probably been the more threatening of England’s two offies, showing off his repertoire again to keep Mitchell Marsh guessing, one gripping and attacking the batter’s box. Joel Wilson, it should be noted, does still have his sunglasses on - perhaps the umpire forgot his prescription pair of regular specs.

Australia 209/4 (65), Marnus Labuschagne 109, Mitchell Marsh 31, Moeen Ali 0-43 (10) (trail by 66)

Saturday 22 July 2023 16:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It feels like the gloom may be closing in inexorably, Nitin Menon and Joel Wilson with another anxious glance at the reading on the light meter between overs. This vital partnership is up beyond 100 with England’s spin twins force to continue in tandem.

Australia 206/4 (64), Marnus Labuschagne 108, Mitchell Marsh 29, Joe Root 0-28 (3) (trail by 69)

Saturday 22 July 2023 16:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The pitch may possess few demons but the situation could hardly have been harsher when Marnus Labuschagne resumed earlier just short of a half-century. He’s played it perfectly today, firm in defence and attacking when the option has been available, even after that blow to the finger. He’s starting to open up a bit now, a slightly streaky late carve well out of reach for Zak Crawley.

100! Australia 197/4 (63), Marnus Labuschagne 100, Mitchell Marsh 28, Moeen Ali 0-40 (9) (trail by 79)

Saturday 22 July 2023 16:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A scrambled single and that’s a sensational, back-against-the-wall hundred from Marnus Labuschagne! His first of the summer celebrated with a relatively muted lift of bat and helmet, the hundred up in 161 balls with Australia edging ever closer to England’s score - and, perhaps more crucially, the next rain delay.

Australia 194/4 (62), Marnus Labuschagne 98, Mitchell Marsh 27, Joe Root 0-19 (2) (trail by 81)

Saturday 22 July 2023 16:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That really was an adroit bit of bowlling from Joe Root, who does have plenty of tricks up his sleeve with ball in hand. To be fair to Crawley, that was an extraordinarily tough chance in tight, a parry up in the air and grab at the second attempt perhaps his only hope.

Australia 193/4 (61.2), Marnus Labuschagne 97, Mitchell Marsh 27, Joe Root 0-18 (1.2) (trail by 82)

Saturday 22 July 2023 16:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Have another! Even sweeter than the first six from Marnus Labuschagne, hitting with the spin again as he comes out of his crease and positively pulverized into the second tier.

Dropped at first slip! Labuschagne is put down next ball, a beautiful arm ball from Root swinging away to take the edge but surprising Zak Crawley, beaten for pace and not able to get even a paw on it.

Australia 183/4 (61), Marnus Labuschagne 87, Mitchell Marsh 27, Moeen Ali 0-37 (8) (trail by 92)

Saturday 22 July 2023 16:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The crowd lift the volume as Moeen gets another to bound up off a length over a cutting Mitchell Marsh’s blade, but fall quiet again as Marsh munches into a full toss, cracking it through cover.

Australia 177/4 (60), Marnus Labuschagne 86, Mitchell Marsh 22, Joe Root 0-8 (1) (trail by 98)

Saturday 22 July 2023 16:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Magnificent! So much for circumspection against the part-timer, Marnus Labuschagne sashaying down and lifting Joe Root with effortless elan for six over long-on. Australia’s deficit is below 100.

Australia 169/4 (59), Marnus Labuschagne 78, Mitchell Marsh 22, Moeen Ali 0-31 (7) (trail by 106)

Saturday 22 July 2023 16:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s a truly woeful first ball from Moeen, understandably given his sudden arrival, but Marnus Labuschagne can only get two runs to the cover sweeper having had an age to consider how to deal with a long hop.

Wowzer - that’s taken off! Mitchell Marsh steps across to work a length ball to leg but is taken aback by the sheer spring out of the surface. A bat-pad is installed.

It will have to be jumpin’ Joe at the other end. Root on for his first bowl of the match.

Australia 166/4 (58), Marnus Labuschagne 75, Mitchell Marsh 22 (trail by 109)

Saturday 22 July 2023 16:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Oh dear. This does not augur well. The umpires have come together for a chat and the hover cover is being readied. The light appears to have dimmed just as Ben Stokes tries to reintroduce Mark Wood, and the England captain is told it’ll have to be spin.

Over to Moeen Ali, then, with Joe Root likely getting warm, too. Martin Saggers returns, too - this time he’s got a light meter for Nitin Menon and Joel Wilson to make use of.

Australia 166/4 (58), Marnus Labuschagne 75, Mitchell Marsh 22, James Anderson 0-30 (17) (trail by 109)

Saturday 22 July 2023 16:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There would appear to be plenty of Kent fans in, long-time Canterbury favourite Martin Saggers’s entrance getting a cheer - or, more likely, the home crowd are pleased that James Anderson and Stuart Broad have a new toy to play with, with fourth umpire Saggers out with a new box of balls as England’s seamers successfuly complain about the state of their soggy Dukes.

The replacement will saturate reasonably quickly but is at least firm for now, a pleasing pop as it pings off Mitchell Marsh’s bat.

Australia 163/4 (57), Marnus Labuschagne 73, Mitchell Marsh 21, Stuart Broad 0-47 (12) (trail by 112)

Saturday 22 July 2023 16:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England are excited for a moment as Marnus Labuschagne pulls into Harry Brook’s boot at short leg, the ball looping up near Ben Stokes, who loses his footing as he tries to redirect and get to it. Replays show it hit Brook’s instep on the half-volley, so Stokes’s slip matters not.

Rigid stuff from Mitchell Marsh, looking comfortable going back with England’s old guard not able to squeeze much venom out of a surface that is starting to seem defanged.

Australia 161/4 (56), Marnus Labuschagne 72, Mitchell Marsh 20, James Anderson 0-27 (16) (trail by 114)

Saturday 22 July 2023 16:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It shows the control with which this pair have played that, under heavy cloud, James Anderson and his 689 Test wickets are hurling down bouncers from around the wicket as England engage in a bit of leg theory with most of their fielders spread, Marnus and Mitch successfully dampening the home attack. Ben Stokes gathers his bowlers for another quick chat at the end of the over. A bit of Moeen Ali, perhaps? A dreary day and a wet ball don’t necessarily scream off-spin, but it appears he may be just starting to get his joints oiled.

Australia 159/4 (55), Marnus Labuschagne 71, Mitchell Marsh 19, Stuart Broad 0-45 (11) (trail by 116)

Saturday 22 July 2023 15:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Marnus Labuschagne continues to build, opening the face on contact to direct between the two fielders either side of point. The rain has made the outfield more sluggish, but it’s still run smoothly enough since we resumed, and even Zak Crawley’s long strides can’t reel it in.

Labuschagne brings up the 50 partnership with another work to leg, Matthew Hurst - one of England’s eager, active substitutes - riding the slip ‘n slide as he does the fielding on the midwicket boundary. Australia are safely through to drinks.

Australia 152/4 (54), Marnus Labuschagne 64, Mitchell Marsh 19, James Anderson 0-25 (15) (trail by 123)

Saturday 22 July 2023 15:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ben Duckett is the latest England fielder to exit the playing area, with Harry Brook taking over at short mid-on. Brook’s extra reach comes in handy as Marsh pushes down the ground, an outstretched right palm halting the drive.

Brook hops across to short cover and is busied again as Anderson adjusts his line and joins up the dots.

Australia 152/4 (53), Marnus Labuschagne 64, Mitchell Marsh 19, Stuart Broad 0-38 (10) (trail by 123)

Saturday 22 July 2023 15:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s been a largely calm passage through the first hour for Australia, one risky Mitchell Marsh legside hoist and Marnus Labuschagne’s inflamed index finger aside.

Australia 150/4 (52), Marnus Labuschagne 62, Mitchell Marsh 19, James Anderson 0-25 (14) (trail by 125)

Saturday 22 July 2023 15:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ben Stokes employs a split field, giving permission to his bowler to attack the stumps with a catcher adjacent to the track at short mid-on. For Marnus Labuschagne, there are two men in tight at midwicket, Zak Crawley alongside his opening partner Ben Duckett as a large and little layer of defence.

That creates room on the offside, though, and Labuschagne finds it, Stokes having to do the chasing and rather hobbling after it on that injured knee. He was doing a bit of bowling before play earlier in the Test, but I’d be rather surprised if we see the England captain with the ball again in this series.

Australia 146/4 (51), Marnus Labuschagne 59, Mitchell Marsh 18, Stuart Broad 0-36 (9) trail by 129)

Saturday 22 July 2023 15:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England have been excited about a little cleft on a length, believing it to have been the cause of both the grubber that excavated Joe Root and the one that very nearly scuttled into the bottom of Marnus Labuschagne’s off stump yesterday. Stuart Broad tries to find it but is a little bit wide, allowing Marsh to crack a crunchy drive through cover for four.

Australia 141/4 (50), Marnus Labuschagne 59, Mitchell Marsh 13, James Anderson 0-21 (13) trail by 134)

Saturday 22 July 2023 15:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A bit of zip back into the right-hander from Anderson, back-to-back balls up towards Mitchell Marsh’s thigh pad. The second takes a thick inside edge and tumbles out into the legside for an easy single.

England’s old stagers are together again. Stuart Broad on, with Jonny Bairstow still avec helmet to try and keep Marsh confined.

Australia 139/4 (49), Marnus Labuschagne 58, Mitchell Marsh 12, Mark Wood 3-27 (11) (trail by 136)

Saturday 22 July 2023 15:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Back go the field as Mark Wood loads up, five catchers forming a protective valance around the boundary behind square from deep backward point to deep square leg.

The double bluff! A searing, searching yorker at 93mph, with Mitchell Marsh saved only by an inside edge.

Chris Woakes is finished after three overs in his spell. James Anderson, who started things off earlier, is back at the Statham End.

Australia 137/4 (48), Marnus Labuschagne 57, Mitchell Marsh 11, Chris Woakes 1-31 (12) (trail by 138)

Saturday 22 July 2023 15:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Marnus Labuschagne is confident enough in the bounce outside off to play a late cut, chopping out of Jonny Bairstow’s gloves with the keeper again up to the stumps and directing safely to second slip’s right. Two perfectly judged leaves get Bairstow chirping in Labuschagne’s ear, overstating how close each was to actually troubling the batter’s timbers.

Australia 133/4 (47), Marnus Labuschagne 53, Mitchell Marsh 11, Mark Wood 3-25 (10) (trail by 142)

Saturday 22 July 2023 15:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That Labuschagne fend into the legside prompts a tweak to the plan from England, Harry Brook in at boot hill under the helmet with the leg slip taken out to allow a second catcher towards the boundary, the two men either side of a conventional long leg. That second fielders behind square on the legside isn’t quite all the way back, perhaps reflecting England’s assessment of Labuschagne’s likely approach - that injured digit makes a full blooded hook unlikely.

More changes. Now there is a leg slip, with a catching man beyond Brook on a square leg line and just a single man in the cordon as England climb into their bumper cars. Labuschange handles it well, riding a ball up at his ribs and knocking it down to long leg for a single.

Australia 132/4 (46), Marnus Labuschagne 52, Mitchell Marsh 11, Chris Woakes 1-27 (11) (trail by 143)

Saturday 22 July 2023 15:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mitchell Marsh is stepping out of his crease, trying to negate any possible late lateral movement from Chris Woakes and the threat of LBW. Jonny Bairstow calls for a helmet, happy to stand up even with Woakes getting it through at a reasonable clip just short of 85mph. Six dots.

Australia 132/4 (45), Marnus Labuschagne 52, Mitchell Marsh 11, Mark Wood 3-24 (9) (trail by 143)

Saturday 22 July 2023 15:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Safe off the glove! Australia living a little dangerously, Marnus Labuschagne late on the pull and dinged on the digits of his bottom hand by a Mark Wood short ball. Labuschagne trots through for a single and then rips off his glove, squeezing at his index finger to check for damage.

But the impact proves no impediment as another of those nicely timed clips off the hip brings up a 99-ball 50. His best knock of the tour so far, you’d say, following up his half-century in the first innnings. Out come the medics to check out that sore trigger finger at the end of the over.

Australia 126/4 (44), Marnus Labuschagne 47, Mitchell Marsh 11, Chris Woakes 1-27 (10) (trail by 149)

Saturday 22 July 2023 14:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Flicked aerially just wide of Moeen Ali! Blimey, an extraordinary shot from Mitchell Marsh, flicking with reckless abandon for the midwicket boundary. Moeen sprints along the rope from deep square leg, tracking it as it plummets out of slate skies a couple of yards out of reach for a one-bounce four. Jaunty stuff from Marsh, particularly having slapped Woakes through point for a boundary earlier in the over.

Australia 118/4 (43.1), Marnus Labuschagne 47, Mitchell Marsh 3, Chris Woakes 1-19 (9.1) (trail by 157)

Saturday 22 July 2023 14:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Here is Chris Woakes, who we are informed wasn’t able to take the first over from the Statham End having spent time off the field last night. Labuschagne tucks his first ball to deep square leg for another single.

Australia 117/4 (43), Marnus Labuschagne 46, Mitchell Marsh 3, Mark Wood 3-19 (8) (trail by 158)

Saturday 22 July 2023 14:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A leg slip in place for Marnus Labuschagne, as for much of his innings yesterday. The Australia batter hasn’t much looked tempted to tickle, though. Wood slams a bouncer in at 89mph that Labuschagne bobs beneath.

Wood calls for some sawdust after slipping slightly as he lands. The seamer is prone to a tumble but has been much more sure of foot across this Test than in Leeds.

Australia 115/4 (42), Marnus Labuschagne 45, Mitchell Marsh 2, James Anderson 0-19 (12) (trail by 160)

Saturday 22 July 2023 14:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Not too much through the air for Anderson first up, with the soggy outfield likely to remove the prospect of a repeat of that little bit of reverse swing Mark Wood found last night.

Speaking of - England’s fastman will share starters’ duties.

Australia 114/4 (41.2), Marnus Labuschagne 45, Mitchell Marsh 1, James Anderson 0-18 (11.2) (trail by 161)

Saturday 22 July 2023 14:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And Marnus Labuschagne is back amongst things right away, a little clip through midwicket bringing him a single. Three slips to start for England, up with the bounce of the ball as Mitchell Marsh leaves alone outside off.

Australia 113/4, Marnus Labuschagne 44, Mitchell Marsh 1 (trail by 162)

Saturday 22 July 2023 14:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England huddle up, the second verse of “Jeruslaem” rarely having landed more mellifluously on their ears. Mitchell Marsh leads Marnus Labuschagne out.

Chris Woakes marks out his run, but England have had a late re-think - James Anderson will open up today, but not from the end that bears his name.

Australia 113/4, Marnus Labuschagne 44, Mitchell Marsh 1 (trail by 162)

Saturday 22 July 2023 14:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Right then. England have a chance, but can’t afford to dally, with tomorrow’s forecast similarly grim. Australia do still have plenty of batting to come, though Cameron Green has struggled for runs this summer and Alex Carey’s returns have dropped off since that moment at Lord’s. Mitchell Marsh has been counter-puncher in chief for his side in the last two Tests, but I don’t fancy he’ll be chancing much here.

Play scheduled to resume at 2.45pm BST

Saturday 22 July 2023 14:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Well well well. England’s players have their whites on, and it would appear actual, real-life, competitive, Ashes cricket is imminent.

Full credit to the Old Trafford groundstaff - this looked mighty unlikely as it teemed down this morning but it would appear we are just about ready to get day four underway.

Play scheduled to resume at 2.45pm BST

Saturday 22 July 2023 14:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ben Stokes ignored Mark Wood for a while after tea yesterday, which felt perplexing. Surely it’ll be him first up today, probably in combination with Chris Woakes given how well those two have bowled in partnership since their injection into the series at Headingley. Keeping the ball dry will be impossible if Australia can get a couple of boundaries away, so England can’t afford anything loose - but the likelihood of further interruptions means they should be right at top intensity.

Updated session times

Saturday 22 July 2023 14:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This, by the way, is the intended schedule for the rest of the day. Officially, there are 59 overs to be bowled...

Afternoon session: 14:45 - 17:00

Tea break: 17:00 - 17:20

Evening session: 17:20 - 19:00

Play scheduled to resume at 2.45pm BST

Saturday 22 July 2023 14:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The lines are being repainted on the Old Trafford track, which has enjoyed a long Saturday lie-in. Can England prise out another couple before more rain comes? Marnus Labuschagne played well for his 44 yesterday but this will be a major test of him mentally after a tough tour so far. Mitchell Marsh also looked solid enough in an uncharacteristic 27-ball stay last night that brought only a single run.

Play scheduled to resume at 2.45pm BST

Saturday 22 July 2023 14:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Excellent news, then, from the middle - though the radar is suggesting the the next splodge of blue scheduled to come through right about a quarter to three.

Still, let’s be optimistic. David Saker, England’s bowling coach, is out there getting his seamers ready for what could be a short, but crucial, little period. Mark Wood quipped to Nasser Hussain earlier on Sky that England needed only six balls to finish things....

Sonia Twigg at Old Trafford

Saturday 22 July 2023 14:07 , Sonia Twigg

And there is light at the end of the tunnel, providing no more rain, play will start at 2.45pm.

England vs Australia - fourth Ashes Test, day four

Saturday 22 July 2023 14:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Cheers from the Old Trafford crowd - those last bits of sheet are being rolled back towards the hover cover, permitting the umpires a look at the square.

England vs Australia - fourth Ashes Test, day four

Saturday 22 July 2023 14:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The umpires are out there inspecting. Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow grab the head groundsman for a chat, before he is called away by Joel Wilson and Nitin Menon. The hover cover is still on, and there’s still a little bit of moisture in the air, by the looks of things. They’d play through it if they were out there - but it won’t help them get going.

England vs Australia - fourth Ashes Test, day four

Saturday 22 July 2023 13:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The inspection draws ever nearer, with still nothing major coming down from those dreary skies. Mind you, one forecast I’m looking at suggests that there might be rain in half-an-hour or so, which would be far from ideal.

England vs Australia - fourth Ashes Test, day four

Saturday 22 July 2023 13:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A few spits and spots in the air still, but the umbrellas are down at Old Trafford, with just two sheets attached to the hover cover left obscuring the playing surface.

England vs Australia - fourth Ashes Test, day four

Saturday 22 July 2023 13:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

I do often wonder quite how umpires actually decide on their inspection times. There’s every chance that Nitin Menon, Joel Wilson and co. look at it in 20 minutes or so and conclude it needs to dry for a while longer. Australia have just arrived en masse, ready to get psychologically switched on.

England vs Australia - fourth Ashes Test, day four

Saturday 22 July 2023 13:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Good news, then, providing the rain holds off for another 45 minutes or so.

Sonia Twigg at Old Trafford

Saturday 22 July 2023 13:18 , Sonia Twigg

There will be a pitch inspection at 2pm, some of the covers have come off but there is a a lot of water around on the grass still.

Mark Wood kills a bit of time by speaking to Sky Sports

Saturday 22 July 2023 13:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“There are a few apps going around, and we are pretty optimistic at the minute. Hopefully we can get a bit of play in today and really push it home.

“We’ve had a game of cards - I hate sitting still for two seconds, I want to be doing something. I can’t sit still for too long.

“I really enjoyed the reverse swing period yesterday, I felt really good at that point. Short, sharp bursts again today from me, try and make something happen when Stokesy needs me.

“That’s my one worry - if the ball gets wet, and becomes soft and spongy, how can we then get the wickets. It’s in great condition at the minute but if it does get wet, it’s already a little bit of shape. We don’t want to change the ball at the minute, because if it is moving, you don’t want to change it.

“Very proud [to get Steve Smith as Test wicket number 100]. He’s a top player, to get him twice in the game is an amazing feeling, I’m really happy I could contribute in that way.

“Broady’s been calling us Dad’s Army up there all week. It’s great that he’s reached that milestone. Now I’ve got 100, I can’t even imagine what it must be like to get 600, it’s so many wickets, so much dedication and commitment. He loves the battle - on days like this, he is perfect because he is such a competitor.”

England vs Australia - fourth Ashes Test, day four

Saturday 22 July 2023 13:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Heavens - is that a bare bit of square? Indeed it is. The first bit of sheeting has been hauled away to a cheer, though the uncovered bit of turf does look rather damp.

Sonia Twigg at Old Trafford

Saturday 22 July 2023 12:55 , Sonia Twigg

The rain has stopped at Old Trafford and the ground staff have finally made their way out to the middle.

The super soppers are out, but there is a lot of standing water so it might take a while to clear unfortunately, but there is a brief window of hope, although more rain is forecast later.

England vs Australia - fourth Ashes Test, day four

Saturday 22 July 2023 12:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There are groundstaff wading across the Old Trafford outfield, suggesting their hopes of getting some play are increasing with the rain now more mizzly than miserable.

England vs Australia - fourth Ashes Test, day four

Saturday 22 July 2023 12:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Remarkable scenes in Mirpur, though - the third ODI between India and Bangladesh has ended in a tie! The two sides will share the series, after Jemimah Rodrigues was left unbeaten on 33 as the India tail crumbled to end 225 all out having needed 14 from the last four overs with four wickets in hand. It seems, too, that an earlier rain delay has scuppered a super over, with the match having extended beyond the scheduled end and thus no time left for a six-ball shootout. Extraordinary, and a great result for Bangladesh, two wins and a tie a very solid return across six white ball matches on India’s tour.

England vs Australia - fourth Ashes Test, day four

Saturday 22 July 2023 12:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Most of the forecasting apps now think the rain is going to stop at some point in the next hour or so. Of course, previous experience suggests the likely path from here is that the staff scramble to mop up, set a start time and then another shower blows through just as Marnus Labuschagne and Mitchell Marsh strap their pads on to put the kibosh on things entirely, but perhaps that is overly pessimistic.

England vs Australia - fourth Ashes Test, day four

Saturday 22 July 2023 12:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Australian side have wandered across the Old Trafford outfield again, Marnus Labuschagne carrying a suspiciously large box. If we do get on a bit later, this will be mighty tricky for the visitors to handle, almost waiting for the next band of rain to come through in what are sure to be terrible conditions for batting.

England vs Australia - fourth Ashes Test, day four

Saturday 22 July 2023 12:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Indeed, the rain has already cleared at Hoylake, though the earlier starters are having to negotiate some sodden fairways. Sky have sent a couple of their pundits across, Mark Butcher and Brian Harman-lookalike Ricky Ponting (seriously, it really is uncanny) engaging in a demo for their golfing colleagues.

“It's been incredible to be part of the series, the standard of cricket has been unbelievable, it's got people all around the world talking about Test match cricket again, which is great,” Ponting says of the Ashes. “Day 2 and yesterday, the way England batted, for most of Day 2 they scored at seven runs per over. It's been exciting.”

England vs Australia - fourth Ashes Test, day four

Saturday 22 July 2023 12:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

At Old Trafford, the rain radar is starting to look slightly more optimistic - having earlier shown big splodges right through the afternoon, a window of potentially dry weather is perhaps opening a little bit wider. Fair play to the brave/foolish (delete as appopriate) souls toughing it out in the stands, of which there are quite a few.

England vs Australia - fourth Ashes Test, day four

Saturday 22 July 2023 12:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

But still top of the County Championship pile are Surrey, coming out of a little dip in form with a commanding eight wicket win over Middlesex. Speaking of balance, any side that can card Tom Lawes (List A batting average: 53) at number ten has obnoxious batting depth - and Dan Lawrence is on his way this summer in a transfer that must surely be against some sort of antitrust law.

England vs Australia - fourth Ashes Test, day four

Saturday 22 July 2023 11:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Essex, perhaps recognising the likelihood of a deluge later, have got the job done quickly, polishing off Kent’s tail before knocking off the 30 they needed for victory in short order. That’s four on the bounce for Tom Westley’s men to spark the title chase into life, and that Essex XI looks beautifully balanced - Matt Critchley is having a particularly promising time of things of late, particularly with the bat, though his more than handy legspin is probably an item of equal interest with a tour to India on the horizon.

England vs Australia - fourth Ashes Test, day four

Saturday 22 July 2023 11:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Manchester is hardly alone in taking a battering this weekend, with the forecast rather nasty right around the United Kingdom, as Stuti Mishra explains:

Met Office predicts when stormy weather could stop in UK

Jonny Bairstow hits back at “out of order” criticism

Saturday 22 July 2023 11:32 , Sonia Twigg at Old Trafford

Jonny Bairstow believes some of the criticism surrounding his wicketkeeping has been “out of order” after he regained the gloves just nine months after a horrific freak leg break.

The England gloveman said at one point that he feared he would never walk again after the injury brought an abrupt end to the form that saw him heralded as the poster boy for Bazball and awarded the first Wisden Trophy for an outstanding Test performance of the year.

Ben Foakes was the one who had to make way for Bairstow to return to the England team, and he has made his mistakes during the Ashes that has led to calls for his replacement to step up with the gloves.

The conversations grew louder after number three Ollie Pope was ruled out of the remainder of the series with a dislocated shoulder, but Bairstow took a shot at those who have called for the change within the media.

“You’ve got to have a bit of perspective on it,” Bairstow said to the BBC after the game. “I’ve not played in months and I’ve not kept properly in three years.

“There’s obviously been a lot of talk and things like that, some of which I think has been a bit out of order to be honest but that’s part and parcel of people having an opinion.

“There are times when if people had a conversation with you individually and found out a bit more about the injury or the ankle and how everything’s going, they might have a slightly different view or perspective on it.”

Jonny Bairstow hits back at “out of order” criticism

England vs Australia - fourth Ashes Test, day four

Saturday 22 July 2023 11:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Nothing imminent at Old Trafford, though, with the pitch, to borrow from Bernie Taupin, still rolling like thunder (under the covers). Grounds do dry extremely well now, heavy investment in state-of-the-art drainage obviously useful - and the crucial rope-between-two-tractors method, ever a favourite to get that last bit of moisture out of the surface. But this does feel pretty bleak.

England vs Australia - fourth Ashes Test, day four

Saturday 22 July 2023 11:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Action! At Lord’s, admittedly, but it’ll have to do for now - Surrey took just two balls to bounce out Tim Murtagh this morning, and have sent out first innings centurion (and potential England gloveman of the future) Jamie Smith alongside Rory Burns to try and finish things quickly. The defending champions need 72 more to solidify their spot at the top of Div 1 - though Smith has just flicked Tom Helm straight to midwicket.

England vs Australia - fourth Ashes Test, day four

Saturday 22 July 2023 11:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Just to illustrate how damp it is, Sky’s Ian Ward is presenting under an umbrella - inside. The other Old Trafford’s roof is famously leaky, and it appears the neighbours are struggling, too.

There is a whisper of a potential patch of clearer skies that might pass through this afternoon, but will that leave enough of a window to get the outfield fit and proper for play?

England vs Australia - fourth Ashes Test, day four

Saturday 22 July 2023 11:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Australia have now rocked up, not necessarily minding a mosey through the Manchester murk given the mire in which they find themselves. A weekend wipeout wouldn’t be how they would have ideally liked to retain the Ashes and a real spoiler on this brilliant series, but with tomorrow’s forecast worsening, the possibility, sadly, can’t be ruled out.

It would be great to lose a few overs – Josh Hazlewood hoping for rain

Mayors urge ECB to reconsider its northern snub for 2027 men’s Ashes series

Saturday 22 July 2023 10:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The mayors of Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire have pleaded with the England and Wales Cricket Board to reconsider its northern snub for the 2027 men’s Ashes.

England captain Ben Stokes admitted earlier this week he was “devastated” by the allocation for the five-Test series in four years’ time, with both Headingley and Emirates Old Trafford missing out.

It means that the most northerly of the grounds will be Trent Bridge, which has not staged a men’s Ashes Test since 2015, while Edgbaston, Lord’s, the Kia Oval and the Ageas Bowl are also host venues.

PA

Mayors urge ECB to reconsider its northern snub for 2027 men’s Ashes series

England vs Australia - fourth Ashes Test, day four

Saturday 22 July 2023 10:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And, if you hadn’t already deciphered as much, we do officially have a delayed start. It’s also damp around the grounds in the County Championship, though not at Lord’s, where Middlesex are fighting for their lives against title-chasing Surrey. Their lead is 77 after a battling ninth wicket partnership between Josh De Caires and Ethan Bamber took them into the black late last night - though losing De Caires, son of Mike Atherton, in the last over yesterday was a major blow.

Essex were hoping to put the pressure on Surrey’s front-runners with a victory, but found themselves similarly frustrated by Kent on Day Three. It appears we may get morning play at Chelmsford, though - the home side have three wickets left to take with their foes only 14 in front.

England vs Australia - fourth Ashes Test, day four

Saturday 22 July 2023 10:37 , Jack Rathborn

England vs Australia - fourth Ashes Test, day four

Saturday 22 July 2023 10:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ben Stokes has arrived, plodding through the puddles alongside Jonny Bairstow, the England captain’s hood up. It does look rather miserable out there - more a morning for buckets rather than bucket hats, though a couple of Stokes’s players still indulge in their headwear of choice.

England vs Australia - fourth Ashes Test, day four

Saturday 22 July 2023 10:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

With the brollies up for the foreseeable at Old Trafford, let’s check in on a bit of history elsewhere in the cricketing world this morning, specifically at Mirpur, where Fargana Hoque has recorded the first hundred by a Bangaldeshi women in ODIs. Bangladesh have really impressed over the last couple of weeks against a slightly below-par India, though Harleen Deol and Harmanpreet Kaur are hot in pursuit of the hosts’ 225/4.

England vs Australia - fourth Ashes Test, day four

Saturday 22 July 2023 10:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

So the indications are that it will be a day for ducks in Manchester. Speaking of which, Chris Woakes’s first-baller yesterday was England’s first scoreless dismissal of the series.

England vs Australia - fourth Ashes Test, day four

Saturday 22 July 2023 10:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

For now, though, time for a bit of thumb twiddling, with one of England’s senior seamers up and about on Twitter to advocate for a Sri Lankan approach to covering the playing area. Watching the army of cover hauliers go about their work in Galle and Colombo really is quite a sight.

England vs Australia - fourth Ashes Test, day four

Saturday 22 July 2023 10:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Should the rain relent a little later, the home attack will have some favourable bowling conditions to enjoy. Mark Wood and Chris Woakes were excellent last night as England continued to do all they could to set up a shot at victory, knowing that this sort damp day was always a possibility.

England vs Australia - fourth Ashes Test, day four

Saturday 22 July 2023 10:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Sadly, it’s all rather soggy at Old Trafford, the covers on, the rain coming down steadily. Should we get any extended action today, there’s every chance England might level the series - but the prospects of play as things stand, I’m afraid, appear distant.

Ashes weather forecast as rain threatens England hopes in Manchester

Saturday 22 July 2023 09:56 , Jack Rathborn

Here we take a look at the forecast over the next two days from the BBC, Met Office and AccuWeather.

Ashes weather forecast as rain threatens England hopes in Manchester

Nasser Hussain: Mark Wood has sparked significant Ashes power shift

Saturday 22 July 2023 09:50 , Jack Rathborn

“There has been a significant power shift,” Nasser Hussain says in his Mail column. since day two in Leeds. “Wood and Chris Woakes, two lads that get on very well, have been excellent selections halfway through this series. Two completely different bowlers but two that back each other up perfectly.

“They don’t just run through the tail, they actually get top order batters out and Wood’s point of difference - that 90 mile per hour pace - did for Usman Khawaja.

“How different things have looked until Wood started influencing things on the second day at Leeds.”

Ashes Test set for delay with covers on at Old Trafford

Saturday 22 July 2023 09:45 , Jack Rathborn

A live look at Old Trafford, where the covers have been on this morning.

Josh Hazlewood hopes for rain to boost Australia hopes of draw fourth Ashes Test

Saturday 22 July 2023 09:40 , Jack Rathborn

“I’d be very pleased,” Josh Hazlewood said. “It’s obviously forecast but forecasts can change all the time.

“Obviously, rain and light plays a big part in cricket and has done forever.

“So, yeah, it’d be great to lose a few overs here and there, and make our job a little easier if I’m hanging in there.”

Ashes 2023: Weather forecast for day four and five of fourth Test

Saturday 22 July 2023 09:30 , Jack Rathborn

Here is the weather forecast, according to the BBC, for Saturday and Sunday.

Day four, today, has 90 percent chance of rain almost throughout the entire day, with temperatures of 14-16 degrees. So any cricket today looks to be a bonus.

Day five, tomorrow, has warmer temperatures of 16-17 degrees, but still a 70 percent chance of rain.

Other websites, such as the Met Office has a more optimistic outlook, with a dry spell expect about 2pm, but only for an hour or two. While tomorrow has just 50 percent chance of rain over the afternoon, which is where the game might be won. This one could go to the wire.

Jonny Bairstow hits back at ‘out of order' criticism

Saturday 22 July 2023 09:20 , Jack Rathborn

Jonny Bairstow believes some of the criticism surrounding his wicketkeeping has been “out of order” after he regained the gloves just nine months after a horrific freak leg break.

The England gloveman said at one point that he feared he would never walk again after the injury brought an abrupt end to the form that saw him heralded as the poster boy for Bazball and awarded the first Wisden Trophy for an outstanding Test performance of the year.

Ben Foakes was the one who had to make way for Bairstow to return to the England team, and he has made his mistakes during the Ashes that has led to calls for his replacement to step up with the gloves.

Jonny Bairstow hits back at “out of order” criticism

The agony and ecstasy of Jonny Bairstow’s 99 not out

Saturday 22 July 2023 09:10 , Jack Rathborn

Running off when stranded unbeaten 99 is not something often associated with Test batters, but it is a testament to the innings and the state of the game, that that’s just what Jonny Bairstow did when England were bowled out for 592 and a lead of 275.

The hero of the 2022 first Bazball summer, treated the Old Trafford crowd to a stunning innings and his ability with the bat that saw him preferred in the starting XI to specialist wicketkeeper Ben Foakes.

Yesterday it was Zak Crawley who dispelled the doubters with his stunning 189, but this time it was the time of Yorkshireman Bairstow, whose place had been criticised, with Foakes arguably the better wicketkeeper.

The agony and ecstasy of Jonny Bairstow’s 99 not out

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website