The start of play on the fourth day of the ongoing Ashes 2023 Test match between England and Australia has been delayed due to incessant rain in Manchester. With the same being predicted since yesterday, it has it in it to wash out more than a session especially if it the downpour doesn’t stop in the next hour or so.
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While the first rain interruption of the match had happened on Day 3 yesterday, it wasn’t threatening enough to keep players off the ground for a lot of time. The second rain delay of the match, however, appears to be having elongated plans of keeping players inside their respective dressing rooms.
The update nobody wanted…
We’re going to be heavily delayed at Old Trafford as the rain is still falling in Manchester 🌧 #EnglandCricket | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/LIwEfSIQy3
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 22, 2023
Currently trailing by 162 runs with six wickets in hand, Australia wouldn’t mind inclement weather conditions sucking out time from this match. With them needing to bat miraculously long enough to save this match, a large chunk of overs getting lost due to rain will benefit them without a doubt.
AccuWeather Manchester Weather Report
As has been the case since morning, reliable weather portal AccuWeather predicts that Manchester will continue to be under rainfall till 01:00 PM (local time) on Saturday. Expected to be around 64% until this time, the rain probability will drop down to 40% around 02:00 PM.
Best part of the day for live action to take place, rain probability will remain between 30% – 40% till about 04:00 PM in the city. A steep rise in the numerical will take it all the way up to 73% for the subsequent two hours. As a result, reducing the chances of live cricket being played in the evening session.
Therefore, an extended afternoon session is the best chance for match officials to conduct play on Day 4 at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground today.
Old Trafford Manchester Weather Hourly
01:00 PM – 15 degree (Rain Probability – 64%).
02:00 PM – 15 degree (Rain Probability – 40%).
03:00 PM – 15 degree (Rain Probability – 34%).
04:00 PM – 15 degree (Rain Probability – 40%).
05:00 PM – 15 degree (Rain Probability – 73%).
06:00 PM – 15 degree (Rain Probability – 73%).
07:00 PM – 16 degree (Rain Probability – 49%).
