‘Bazball Failed’- Fans react as Australia retains Ashes after rain played a spoilsport in Manchester on Day 5 of 4th Test

Australia retains the Ashes after rain played a spoilsport on Day 5 of the fourth Test at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester. The match ended in a tie with England agonizingly close to winning since they concluded leading by 61 runs and Australia finishing on 214-5 after just 30 overs on day four and no play on day five after the game was ultimately stopped shortly before 5.30 pm.

England will now be focused on ensuring that Australia does not win the Ashes outright when the series resumes next week with the fifth Test at The Kia Oval. The wait for a first Ashes win since 2015 goes on. The abandoned match marks the first draw during Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum’s reign so far. They will try to come back fresh for the next Test.

It is a tough one to take: Ben Stokes

England captain Ben Stokes stated, “It is a tough one to take, playing the cricket we did over the first three days, but it is all part of the journey. “We knew what we needed to do and that played into our hands. It was another do-or-die game for us and I don’t think we could have done much more – bowling them out and then scoring 590.”

He further added, “We have got one game left and we want to go out with a win and draw the series, like in 2019. We had three hours of cricket in two days – I don’t think whatever we did, we would have been able to force a result and that is unfortunately due to the weather.”

Australian captain Pat Cummins, stated, “Our preference is to come over here and win the Ashes but it is nice to retain,” Australia captain Pat Cummins said. “It’s not the best circumstances but the group should be proud of themselves. “We wanted to win this time. Whatever happened here today it doesn’t really change how we look at The Oval next week.”

The final Test match will start in just three days on the 27th of July. It will be an intense battle as England will not let the Aussies win the series.

Here’s how fans reacted

How come? Still one more game is. Left. There's chances to be 2-2 series can end with draw

— imsyed (@Syed_Basha1) July 23, 2023

not fair they should of had reserve days in place and just because aust had won the ashes last time they should not be allowed to hold onto it even being 2 1 up they should of waited and see who wins in the last test match and if it is 2 all should be shared

— Nadia benson (@benson_nad5661) July 23, 2023

https://twitter.com/alluanjayya/status/1683153743997706240?s=20

https://twitter.com/FrederickBowe13/status/1683152636726452226?s=20

It was looking like pendulum is swinging there way but aus hung on.congrats to aussie..did real good.#ashes #ENGvsAUS

— kusal singh basnyat (@KusKusal) July 23, 2023

https://twitter.com/mohamma96231700/status/1683151419678031874?s=20

KKR blood Pat Cummins owned Bazball

— Arka (@ARKA0432) July 23, 2023

https://twitter.com/Abhishe64875317/status/1683153216941203456?s=20