Australia Retains Ashes After Final Day of Fourth Test Washed Out

In a disappointing conclusion to the fourth test match at Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester, the match was called off due to heavy rain on the final day, leaving England trailing 2-1 in the series with one match to play.

England had needed to take five more wickets to level the series and ensure that the final test match at the Oval in London next week would be a decider.

However, the rain break meant that England could not win the series, and Australia, as the current holders, retained the Ashes.

"Our preference was to come over here and win the Ashes, but it is nice to retain," said Australia captain Pat Cummins.

"It's not the best circumstances, but the group should be proud of themselves.

We wanted to win this time.

Whatever happened today doesn't really change how we look at The Oval next week." The match had started well for England, who posted a colossal 592 in their first innings - their highest Ashes innings total on home soil since 1985 - in reply to Australia's 317 all out.

England had high hopes of storming back and restoring parity in the series.

However, Australia battled well on a rain-hit day four to reach 214-5 in their second innings, setting England an unlikely target of 61 to make them bat again or to stay at the crease until stumps on day five to earn the draw that would ensure they remained holders of the Urn.

The Manchester weather came to Australia's aid, as not a single ball was possible in torrential rain, ensuring that England's eight-year wait for a series victory that would wrest the Ashes back from Australia would continue.

There is still plenty to play for next week at the Oval, especially for Australia, who can secure their first series win on English soil since 2001.

"It is a tough one to take," said England captain Ben Stokes.

"Playing the cricket we managed to play over the first three days and get on the wrong side of the weather is tough to take, but it is all part of the journey." The match was a thrilling encounter, with