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Rediff.com  » Cricket » ASHES PHOTOS: Bad light, rain play spoilsport on Day 4
This article was first published 11 years ago

ASHES PHOTOS: Bad light, rain play spoilsport on Day 4

Last updated on: August 04, 2013 23:08 IST

Image: Australia's Michael Clarke (left) gestures as he talks with umpires Marais Erasmus (centre) and Tony Hill
Photographs: Phil Noble/Reuters

The fourth day of the third Ashes Test was marred with controversy again when the umpires took the players off the field for bad light at Old Trafford on Sunday.

-Scorecard

Australia were 172 for seven in their second innings -- a lead of 331 runs -- when umpires Marais Erasmus and Tony Hill called a halt.

Subsequent rain prevented the match resuming and play was officially abandoned.

ASHES PHOTOS: Bad light, rain play spoilsport on Day 4

Image: England's Graeme Swann and Stuart Broad (left)
Photographs: Philip Brown/Reuters

At the interval, Australia were 137 for five in their second innings with four sessions remaining. Captain Michael Clarke, who scored 187 out of his team's 527 for seven declared in the first innings, was unbeaten on 14.

ASHES PHOTOS: Bad light, rain play spoilsport on Day 4

Image: David Warner of Australia speaks to Kevin Pietersen of England
Photographs: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

At lunch, Australia were 24 for one in their second innings, an overall lead of 183, with five sessions remaining. England lead 2-0 in the five-match series.

ASHES PHOTOS: Bad light, rain play spoilsport on Day 4

Image: Michael Clarke of Australia looks on with Steve Smith (right) as Stuart Broad and Matt Prior of England pick up more runs
Photographs: Stu Forster/Getty Images

After England had resumed on 294 for seven, Stuart Broad ensured the home side avoided the follow-on by taking three boundaries off a Ryan Harris over.

The last four, crashed through extra-over with a full swing of the bat, also brought up the 50 partnership with Matt Prior.

ASHES PHOTOS: Bad light, rain play spoilsport on Day 4

Image: Stuart Broad of England gestures to umpire Tony Hill
Photographs: Stu Forster/Getty Images

Australia, needing quick runs to give themselves time to bowl out England for a second time, promoted Warner from number six to opener to partner fellow left-hander Chris Rogers.