England vs Australia, 4th Test: Australia Retain Ashes After Washout, Lead Series 2-1
Australia have retained the Ashes after the fourth Test against England ended in a rain-affected draw, with bad weather at Old Trafford washing out Sunday's final day. The result ensured Australia, as the holders, kept the Ashes at 2-1 up with one match left in the series -- regardless of the result of next week's fifth Test at The Oval. Heavy overnight rain left the outfield sodden and meant play was unable to start as scheduled at 11:00 am (1000 GMT) in Manchester. No sooner had it been announced that play would resume at 1200 GMT, provided there was no further rain, the ground was subjected to a fresh downpour lasting several hours.
