Former England captain Michael Atherton believes it will be cruel if Ben Stokes & Co are unable to have a crack at winning the ongoing fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford if rain doesn’t stop on the fifth and final day of the match.

England’s chance for clinching a series-levelling victory has been disrupted by heavy rain at Manchester on Sunday, resulting in the first session of day five’s play being washed out. Rain also caused disruption on day four, with only 30 overs being bowled as Australia reached 214 for five.