The rains in Manchester: Bad weather delays England's bid to level Ashes in fourth Test

England's hopes of forcing a series-levelling win in the fourth Ashes Test were again frustrated by rain as bad weather delayed the start of Sunday's final day at Old Trafford.

Heavy overnight rain left the outfield sodden and meant play at the Manchester ground was unable to start at 11:00 am (1000 GMT) as fresh showers hit the Manchester ground.

But with hardy spectators still sheltering beneath umbrellas, ground staff began removing the covers at 1045 GMT as mopping-up operations got underway.

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As the rain stopped the umpires announced they would hold a pitch inspection at 11:15 GMT (12:15 SA time), with lunch brought forward to 11:20-12:00 GMT, provided there was no further rain, in the hope of resuming play in the afternoon session.

Australia are 214-5 in their second innings, still 61 runs behind England's first-innings 592, after rain meant only 30 overs' play was possible on Saturday's fourth day.

England managed to take just one wicket in that time when part-time off-spinner Joe Root had Marnus Labuschagne caught behind, but not before the Australia No 3 had held up the hosts' victory charge with 111.

Ben Stokes's home team must win at Old Trafford to square the series at 2-2 and force a decider in next week's fifth and final Test at the Oval in London.

But a draw would be enough for Australia, as the holders, to be assured of retaining the Ashes, with Old Trafford notorious for weather delays - the ground has had 24 complete days rained off in Test cricket, plus an additional two entire Tests abandoned.

England restricted world Test champions Australia to 317 in their first innings of this match before racing to 592 all out, thanks largely to