Former England skippers disheartened as fourth Ashes Test between Australia and England ends in draw due to rain

The fourth match of the ongoing Ashes series ended in a draw in Old Trafford, Manchester, on Sunday, July 23. With this, England’s chances of winning the Ashes 2023 were over as there is only one match remaining in the series, and the Three Lions now trail by 1-2.  Australia have regained the Ashes as they are currently lead the five-match Test series 2-1.

Australia won the first two Tests of the series at Southampton and Lord’s, while the hosts opened their winning account in the third Test at Headingley. Australia was  214/5 at the close of play, still trailing England’s first innings total by 61 runs on Day 5 of the fourth Test. But the match didn’t happen after that and the match ended in a draw. With the chances of winning the series over for England, there is a fight between both camps over the legitimacy of the latter’s success.

After the fourth Test ended in a draw, former England skippers, Michael Vaughan, Nasser Hussain, and Mike Atherton shared their opinions that this was a disappointing end to the series decider as the rain washed out the match. Where one side Vaughan shared his thoughts on BBC, while on the other hand, Hussain and Atherton shared their thoughts on Sky Sports.

This is the worst possible way to end: Nasir Hussain

“It’s no way to retain the Ashes, let’s be honest, but Australia will take it. They are in a similar position as they were in 2019. This feels different though. In 2019, I thought Australia was the better team. England hung on with the greatest innings of all time from Ben Stokes at Headingley got them that victory. This feels like, over the four matches, I know England are 2-1 down but they have been the better team,” Vaughan was quoted as saying on BBC.

“This is the worst possible way to end (England’s chances of regaining the Ashes). Two days of rain in July after everything we have seen in a terrific series. There has not been a dull session. It’s disappointing for spectators, viewers and players. Australia wouldn’t have wanted to retain the Ashes like this,” Hussain was quoted as saying on Sky Sports.

“You can look back at times in the series where England have missed opportunities without a doubt … but just looking at this game, England have absolutely hammered Australia up until now,” Atherton stated. The fifth and final Test of the Ashes series will be played at the Kennington Oval, in London from Thursday, July 27 to Monday, July 31.