Ashes 2023 [Twitter reactions]: Persistent rain force England and Australia to settle for a draw in Manchester Test

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The fourth Ashes 2023 Test match between England and Australia concluded in a draw as persistent rain washed away the entire Day 5 at Old Trafford in Manchester. After a brilliant century by Marnus Labuschagne on Day 4, Australia managed to keep themselves in the contest and remained in pursuit of a draw.

By the end of Day 5, they had reached a score of 214/5, still trailing England’s massive first innings total of 592 by 61 runs. England, with a strong performance in this Test, had been hopeful of leveling the series and were on the verge of a potential victory.

However, fate had other plans as incessant rain disrupted play, thwarting England’s chances of a triumph. The draw leaves Australia in the driver’s seat, leading the 5-match series 2-1. The visitors, who have retained the Ashes after this drawn match, claimed victory in the first two games, but England made a spirited comeback in the third Test to register a win.

All eyes now turn to the fifth and final Test, scheduled to commence on July 27 at Kennington Oval in London. For England, the upcoming Test presents a do-or-die situation as they have only one choice – to secure a win and level the series. On the other hand, a draw or another victory from the tourists would see Australia clinch the coveted Ashes title.

As anticipation builds for the final Test, cricket enthusiasts remain hopeful that the weather gods will be kinder in London, allowing for an exhilarating and decisive end to this fiercely contested Ashes series.

Here is how Twitter reacted:

A special Test match, for so many reasons, is cut short by the rain.

Stumps have been called. The match is drawn. Onto the Oval. #EnglandCricket | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/9whkRHqmMT

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 23, 2023

That’s that.

Match drawn and Australia retain the Ashes

An unbelievable effort from the England team and still a chance to draw the series at the Oval pic.twitter.com/zKmmJQ0jW0

— England's Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) July 23, 2023

It’s over. A draw has officially been called and Australia have retained the Ashes. #Ashes pic.twitter.com/DCRlZOfQDF

— Scott Bailey (@ScottBaileyAAP) July 23, 2023

Australia retain the #Ashes

Rain prevents further play and the fourth Test is drawn!

England still have a chance to level the series at The Oval #WTC25 | #ENGvAUS | https://t.co/uygxFxx5BC pic.twitter.com/E37dRh2frB

— ICC (@ICC) July 23, 2023

4th Test ends in a draw; Australia retain the Ashes #ENGvAUS #cricket #Ashes #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/Yl1uWSgzWJ

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) July 23, 2023

#Ashes pic.twitter.com/Vp6KvxSl6T

— australian womens cricket with very little context (@awcwvlc) July 23, 2023

Australia retains Ashes. pic.twitter.com/x1Hr7sl0dA

— Peter Lalor (@plalor) July 23, 2023

That'll do! The Old Trafford Test is a draw meaning we retain the #Ashes! pic.twitter.com/MXXrnPHtNG

— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) July 23, 2023

AUSTRALIA HAVE RETAINED THE ASHES…!! pic.twitter.com/OkMiIxrerk

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 23, 2023

If, as seems inevitable now, Australia escape with a draw, this will be an absolutely thumping moral victory for England. Add in the two moral victories in the first two Tests and this series has been a total moral thrashing. Concerning for Cummins and his team. #Ashes

— Dan Liebke (@LiebCricket) July 23, 2023

That'll do! The Old Trafford Test is a draw meaning we'll retain the #Ashes! #Ashes23 #Cricket #aussie #ENGvsAUS pic.twitter.com/nTWJ7OIDYC

— Beep Joy (@BiplobkBeejoy) July 23, 2023

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