Welcome to news.com.au’s coverage of Day 5 of the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford.
Only 30 overs were bowled on Day 3 with Australia 5/214 in their second innings, still trailing England by 61 runs.
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Marnus Labuschagne’s gritty century possibly saved the match for Australia, as he put on a crucial partnership with Mitch Marsh (31 not out), who was joined by Cameron Green (3 not out) at the crease.
All signs point to the rain-affected match ending in a whimpering draw, would be enough for Australia to retain the Ashes heading into the fifth Test.
7.32pm – Pitch inspection
It isn’t raining currently at Old Trafford, but there is some misty rain hovering around the ground.
A pitch inspection is scheduled for 8pm AEST.
7pm – Rain forecast is England’s worst nightmare
Just when England started to dominate the Ashes, the UK’s pesky rain had to wreak havoc on their hopes of pulling off a remarkable series comeback after turning the screws on Australia in the last two Tests.
All eyes are on Manchester’s weather forecast on Sunday, and it doesn’t make for pretty reading for England.
There is a 90 per cent chance of rain in the Manchester forecast, so we might not see many overs bowled at all.
“Wet morning with heavy and persistent rain. Rain continuing throughout much of the day, turning somewhat lighter and more showery during the afternoon with some brief drier spells,” the Met Office forecast for Sunday.
Marnus Labuschagne said there was “zero chance” Australia would declare to give England a target to chase to win the game.
England’s Stuart Broad said it would be “unjust” for a rain-affected draw to decide the Ashes.
“Sitting in the changing room watching the rain fall on Saturday, there was a feeling it would be unjust if the weather had a decisive say because it’s been such an incredible few weeks to be a part of,” Broad wrote in the Daily Mail.
“It would be such a damp squib, such an unemotional way for a series between two great rivals to be defined.
“We just need another window to open to complete the job on Sunday.”