- Match drawn: Australia 317 & 214-5; England 592
- Thirty overs bowled in final two days
Australia’s dreams came true at Old Trafford as relentless rain completely washed out the final day of the fourth Test, leaving the series scoreline at 2-1 with one to play and guaranteeing that as the trophy’s current holders they will retain the Ashes until at least 2025-26.
The closest anyone got to action was the 12.15pm pitch inspection, which occurred after a dry spell long enough for ground staff to have got the outfield in decent condition, and with optimism rising that despite the dismal forecasts some play would be possible. But it coincided with the rain returning and the immediate decision to have some lunch, and soon all hope was washed away. A few of the England players did make it onto the outfield soon afterwards but only to play some football, and they soon returned to their dressing-room, hair slick with water.
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