Ashes 2023: Rain, Labuschagne play pivotal roles to keep England away from victory

Australia`s Marnus Labuschagne celebrates after scoring a century during the fourth day of the fourth Ashes Test match between England and Australia at Old Trafford, Manchester, England. Pic/AP, PTI

Australia's top-order batter Marnus Labuschagne scored his 11th Test century as he and rain played pivotal roles in keeping England away from victory in the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford on Saturday.

At stumps called in early due to rain, Australia reached 214 for 5 in 71 overs and are still 61 runs behind against England, who now need only five wickets to grab a victory with day five predicted to be massively affected by rain again.

When play finally got underway after rain washed out the morning session, Australia were at 113 for four. Labuschagne and Mitchell Marsh (31 not out) were solid in negotiating whatever was thrown at them by England's bowlers desperate to separate the duo.

Whenever loose deliveries came, they were duly dispatched to boundary ropes as Labuschagne brought up his half-century in 99 balls. With the umpires declaring the light wasn't conducive for pace bowling, England captain Ben Stokes had to bring on Moeen Ali and Joe Root.

That gave Labuschagne license to attack, smacking Root for a brace of sixes over the long-on fence. The right-hander finally reached his century in 161 deliveries when he took a single to reach the landmark in the 63rd over, followed by Marsh bringing up the hundred of the partnership.

England finally had a breakthrough in the 68th over when Labuschagne tried to cut off Root, but the on-field umpire didn't give it out. England used a review, which showed the ball took a feather edge behind Jonny Bairstow, ending Labuschagne's knock at 111.

Cameron Green was shaky at the start and also survived a review at the stroke of tea off Moeen, with England thinking there was a faint edge which the ultra edge didn't confirm. Immediately after this, the rain returned to force an early end to the day.

England will be hoping the rain stays away long enough for them to pick five wickets and force a series decider in the fifth and final game of the series at The Oval. Otherwise, a washout will mean a draw and Australia will successfully retain the Ashes.

Brief scores:
Australia 317 & 214/5 in 71 overs (Marnus Labuschagne 111, Mitchell Marsh 31 not out; Mark Wood 3-27) trail England 592 by 61 runs

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