A washout in play on the final day ensures that Australia have retained the urn

England vs Australia - 4th Test, THE ASHES 2023:

Day 3

England had a steady start to the day. Luck favoured the English as skipper Ben Stokes survived a crucial run out at the striker’s end on 33. Although it didn’t cost Australia huge as Ben Stokes departed after scoring a 74 ball 51. Harry Brook and Ben Stokes had a good partnership stand of 86 runs. Harry Brook and Jonny Bairstow tried to steady the innings. Harry Brook was dismissed after a well-played 61.

In quick time, England lost two wickets of Chris Woakes and Mark Wood to find themselves at 506/8 before a rain interruption. Post the rain interruption, although Jonny Bairstow was batting well Australia managed to dismiss Stuart Broad to get England 9 down. With Jimmy Anderson at the other end, Jonny Bairstow went in with all guns blazing, and played shots all round the ground leaving the Australian bowlers speechless. He went on to get 99* off just 80 deliveries and gave England the cushion of 50 runs towards the end.

Unfortunately, Jonny Bairstow was stranded on 99, as Jimmy Anderson was dismissed at the other end. It was such a devastating knock from Jonny Bairstow. England finished at 592 all out with a huge lead of 275 runs. Josh Hazelwood starred with the ball for Australia picking up 5 wickets. Australia had a steady start to the innings as they were 32/0 at the end of the first 10 overs. Just before tea, Mark Wood got a crucial breakthrough by dismissing Usman Khawaja.

Post tea, England bowled really well and kept the pressure on the Australian batters. This eventually led to the dismissal of David Warner. Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith stitched a partnership of 43 runs. England got the wickets of Steve Smith and Travis Head to capture the driver’s seat at the end of Day 3.

Day 4:

It was a rain delayed start to the day which meant that we could witness only 30 overs of play on day 4. Marnus Labuschagne and Mitchell Marsh batted really well and had no real trouble at the crease for a major part of the day. Marnus Labuschagne and Mitchell Marsh got a very good partnership of 103 runs.

Marnus Labuschagne got to his 11th test century. He played really well and made sure he batted through at one end while quick wickets were falling at the other end. He got 111 off 173 balls. Mitchell Marsh played a supportive knock at the other end. Australia were 214/5 at tea. Post tea, rain returned ensuring no further play was possible on day 4.

Day 5:

There was no play on the final day as it was completely washed out due to rain. The 4th Test match of Ashes 2023 had ended in a draw, which means that Australia lead the series 2-1 with one more test match to go and have retained the Ashes successfully