Labuschagne scores century before Root revives England on rain-hit day four

MANCHESTER, England : Marnus Labuschagne scored his 11th test century to frustrate England before falling to Joe Root as Australia reached 214-5 on a rain-hit day four to leave the fourth Ashes test delicately poised going into the final day.

Though fears of a washout did not come to pass, the start was significantly delayed and only 30 overs were bowled, in which Labuschagne and Mitch Marsh combined for a 103-run partnership that kept alive Australia's hopes of grinding out a draw.

Play was abandoned after tea, with England left praying for the rain to stay away long enough on Sunday for them to ensure victory and take the five-match series into a decider at the Oval in London next week.

"Really frustrating you know, in Manchester you get a little bit here, but we got more play than we expected," batting coach Marcus Trescothick told the BBC.

"Today looked like a complete washout so it's a bonus. We're one wicket closer but it's still frustrating."

Australia, who lead the series 2-1 and will retain the Ashes if the fourth test ends in a draw, resumed on 113-4, needing 162 runs to make England bat again.

Sensing opportunity at the outset, England began aggressively as they looked to take quick wickets and Mark Wood was tasked with leading the attack after his vicious spell on Friday decimated most of Australia's top order.

However, Wood and his fellow quicks failed to find a breakthrough.

Labuschagne and Marsh did well to soak up the early pressure, stealing singles and finding the occasional boundary to keep the scoreboard ticking as dark clouds continued to gather over the Old Trafford stadium.

Umpires then ruled that it was too murky to let England keep using their fast bowlers, forcing captain Ben Stokes to bring in spinner