Rain can be an ally for England, says Stokes ahead of decisive fourth Ashes test

Old Trafford cricket ground, Manchester.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The weather forecast for the fourth and decisive Ashes test hints at potential delays, but England captain Ben Stokes said the looming rain clouds will be an advantage as his side are ready to play an even more aggressive brand of cricket.

The fourth test begins on Wednesday at Manchester, where England must win to level the series. Australia lead the series 2-1, and even a draw would see them retain the urn.

A superb 75 from Harry Brook and some big hitting from tailender Mark Wood earned England a pulsating three-wicket victory in the third test, dragging the hosts back into contention.

“It helped us in the last game knowing that we had to press the game on to stay in the series,” Stokes told reporters.

“If the weather does look like it’s going to have an affect on the time in the game, it probably suits us even more because we know what we need to do.

“We can’t just go hopefully, we have to look to press this game on. Everyone understands we will potentially be looking to press this game on even more if the weather is what it’s predicted to be.”

England have made one change to their team for the fourth test, with fast bowler James Anderson replacing Ollie Robinson in the side that won at Headingley.

Stuart Broad of England celebrates dismissing David Warner of Australia during the first Ashes test 2023.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Meanwhile David Warner is set to open, Australia captain Pat Cummins said, but spinner Todd Murphy could be squeezed out to accommodate both all-rounders, Mitchell Marsh and Cameron Green.

Warner’s place looked uncertain after his double failure in the third test at Headingley where the opener managed a total of five runs and fell to Stuart Broad in both innings.

“Josh will come in for Scott Boland, and the top order will stay the same,” Cummins, whose team are 2-1 ahead in the five-match series, told reporters on the eve of the match at Old Trafford.

“Davey (Warner) didn’t have his best game last week at Headingley, but prior to that, he has looked really good.

“He has had three 50-run (opening) partnerships, which can be rare over in England.”

Replacing an injured Green at Headingley, Marsh smashed a century and grabbed a couple of wickets to make it difficult for the selectors to drop him.

With Green having recovered from a hamstring strain, left-arm spinner Murphy may have to sit out having bowled only 9.3 overs across two innings at Headingley.

-Reuters