As the fourth Test finished in a draw, it ended England’s Ashes comeback aspirations, and further ensured that Australia would keep the urn.
A single ball was not bowled at Old Trafford on the fifth day, which was extremely irritating and discouraging for the players and the fans.
This meant that England was denied the opportunity to chase down the final five wickets they required to force a victory. In their second innings, Australia was still 61 runs behind the host team with a score of 214-5.
With one match remaining and a 2-1 lead, the holders Australia will at least be able to keep the Ashes that they have held since 2017–18. They will now try to seal the first series victory in the UK in 22 years.
The wait for England’s first Ashes victory since 2015 continues, despite the team’s entertaining brand of cricket played under captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum.
They were hoping to become the first England team to come from 2-0 down to win an Ashes series, but it was too difficult a challenge after losing the first two Tests.
With the next Ashes Test set here for 2031, this defeat further prolongs England’s losing streak in Ashes Tests at Old Trafford, which dates back to 1981.
On the 27th of July, Thursday, the fifth and final test will begin at The Oval with Australia leading the series 2-1.