IT ENDS IN A DRAW

 

Image Credit- Telegraph India. 

Venue- Old Trafford, Manchester [July 2023].

After winning the must win game at Leeds, the action now shifted to Manchester. The Aussies were still leading the series 2-1, but the English had the momentum on their side. On a batting friendly wicket English Captain Ben Stokes won the toss and decided to field first. The pitch was a batting paradise, but still the Aussies failed to capitalize the same. Each of their players got a start but could not get a big total. The English kept on chipping wickets at regular intervals as the Aussies were ultimately bowled out for 317 in their first innings. 

In response the English just slaughtered the Aussie bowling attack. Not only they posted a mammoth total of 592 in their first innings, but they did the same at a very quick run-rate. It is interesting to note that the English scored 592 runs in just 107.4 overs. Zak Crawley scored a magnificent 189 of just 182 deliveries. His innings comprised of 21 boundaries and 3 sixes. Furthermore, this knock of his was not just about power hitting, but also had timing and placement.  Apart from Crawley, Moeen Ali, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow scored sparkling half-centuries. Joe Root and Bairstow were unlucky that they did not reach the 3-figure mark. Root was bowled out on 84 from a stunning delivery from Josh Hazlewood. On the other hand, Bairstow remained not out on 99 as he ran out of batting partners.

In the eleventh over of their second innings, Australia lost their first wicket when Wood hit Khawaja's bat's edge.  After 12 overs, Australia was 39/1 and slightly behind schedule for tea with 236 runs still behind. After tea, Woakes bowled Warner for 28. Prior to Smith being caught behind for 17 by Wood, Labuschagne and Smith had put up a 43-run partnership. Four overs later, Duckett caught Head for one off the bowl of Wood, who had taken the previous wicket. The Aussies ended 3rd day at a score of 113/4; still trailing by 162 runs. 

Poor weather prevented play in the morning session of day 4, but following an earlier pitch inspection and with the rain beginning to stop in the early afternoon, play was slated to begin at 2:45. Labuschagne and Marsh persisted; the former soon reached his second half-century of the game before turning it into his first century of the series. The light was ruled insufficient by the umpires halfway through the session; therefore, England was forced to introduce Ali and Root into the attack. Labuschagne was eventually dismissed for 111 as the Aussie scorecard read 211/5. The Australians were still 74 runs behind the English total. However, in the evening session, play was completely halted by the return of the rain, which caused stumps to be called at 6:26 p.m. with no chance of continuing before the 7 p.m. cutoff time.

There was hope for a delayed start to the game as the morning rain stopped. Rain during the lunch break stopped the play from starting at 1 pm, thus an early lunch break was taken at 12:20. Throughout the afternoon, the rain occasionally turned torrential, prohibiting any play. Shortly after 5.20 p.m., the umpires made the official decision to call off play for the day without a ball being balled. As a result, the game was ruled a draw, and Australia retained the Ashes. Furthermore, this was the first time in BazBall Era wherein England played a draw. 

 

To watch the knock of Zak Crawley, Click Here. 

To watch the knock of Jonny Bairstow, Click Here.

To watch the spell of Chris Woakes, Click Here.