LIVE: Rain threatens to block England levelling Ashes on day four against Australia at Old Trafford

England's chances of winning the crucial fourth Ashes test against Australia and levelling the series in Manchester is being threatened by rain. No play has been possible so far on day four at Old Trafford, with showers since Friday (July 21) night.

England are in a commanding position in the test with Australia still trailing by 162 runs in their second innings with six wickets remaining. Durham's Mark Wood picked up the crucial wickets of Steve Smith and Travis Head late in the day yesterday to give England confidence in levelling the five match series at 2-2 to force a decider at The Oval next week.

The rain is forecast to fall for most of today and a yellow weather warning for rain has been issued for Greater Manchester covering tomorrow (Sunday). There is still a glimmer of hope however for England fans with a break in the rain forecast by the MetOffice early this afternoon.

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The chances of the outfield drying and the umpires getting the players on the field for England to take the last six wickets before the return of rainfall will remain low. But, the thousands in the region with tickets will be manifesting all the luck they can to get the players out for any time possible.

England Cricket Tweeted that there would be a 'heavily delayed' start this morning. They said: "The update nobody wanted…We’re going to be heavily delayed at Old Trafford as the rain is still falling in Manchester."

Keep up to date with all updates from Old Trafford in the live blog below.

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It continues to rain at Old Trafford and the covers are on with no prospects of play soon. Here is a current