After controlling the proceedings on the first three days of the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford, day four turned out to be a frustrating one for England. As predicted by the weather forecast, rain did play spoilsport. And when it relented, Marnus Labuschagne and Mitchell March frustrated England with a 100-plus stand. Labuschagne also brought up his first Test century in England, as Australia whittled away at the deficit to end up on 214 for 5, still trailing by 61 runs.
After a lengthy delay, play resumed at 2.45PM local. On day three, England’s pace bowlers were able to generate some swing with the old ball. However, on day four, England couldn’t find any swing with a wet ball. Meanwhile, Marsh and Labuschagne went about their job of stonewalling England. Marsh, known for his shot-making ability, showcased admirable patience as he defended with a straight bat.
With the ball doing little in the air or off the seam, England decided to employ short-ball tactics. But even that didn’t prove to be successful. Ultimately, Ben Stokes turned to spin, with Moeen Ali and Joe Root operating from the two ends. Labuschagne opened his shoulders while facing the spin duo, lofting a couple of sixes off Root. He also completed his hundred with a single off Moeen. At the other end, barring the occasional cover drive, Marsh continued to play with a degree of caution.
At the fag end of the session, England finally broke through with Labuschagne edging one to Jonny Bairstow. Bairstow, who has had his issues while keeping to spin, almost dropped the catch but took it on the second attempt. Initially, the on-field decision was not out, but England got it overturned via the DRS. It could have been two wickets in a single over but Harry Brook dropped a tough chance at forward short leg, with Marsh getting the reprieve. Just before the tea interval, there was a bit more drama in the middle as England placed their belief in the DRS for a catch, after Cameron Green was given not out off Moeen. However, the Ultra-Edge showed no spike and Green survived.
Right at that juncture, the heavens opened up again and didn’t relent for the rest of the day’s play. The weather forecast looks quite bleak. At most, there could be a couple of hours of playon Sunday. So, the gritty stand between Labuschagne and Marsh might have just helped Australia retain the Ashes.