England will have their eyes on the skies as they attempt to dodge the rain and turn three dominant days into victory in the fourth Ashes Test.
The hosts need to win at Emirates Old Trafford to have any chance of reclaiming the urn and have done everything in their power to set up a winning position.
A thumping first-innings lead of 275, built around Zak Crawley’s 189 and an unbeaten 99 from the stranded Jonny Bairstow, gave them full control before Australia slipped to 113 for four.
With Mark Wood tearing in to claim three for 17 and a cushion of 162 runs, England would back themselves to get the game moving over the weekend but may find the weather forecast harder to defeat than the tourists. Long, heavy showers are expected on Saturday and Sunday and the pressure will be on to maximise any passages of play that are possible.
With six sessions on the table they will be hoping a fresh bowling attack has enough time, but Australia seamer Josh Hazlewood has already broken cover to admit he would be happy to watch the heavens open. Marnus Labuschagne remains in place on 44 not out, with in-form all-rounder Mitch Marsh at the start of his innings.
England pile into toiling Australia
Tweet of the day
Listening to @bbctms all day with Maxwell, @MichaelVaughan and others keep saying the weather can change ?
Has been small differences in model runs but overall forecast hasn’t changed so I’d be very surprised if we get any play Sat or Sun ☔️☔️#TheAshes pic.twitter.com/GhS34hPd4g
— Simon King (@SimonOKing) July 21, 2023
All eyes will be on the skies this weekend – and the view of the BBC lead weather presenter does not augur well.
Quote of the day
Pat down
Duck-ing the trend
Century Mark
