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In a disappointing turn of events for England, their bid for a victory in the Manchester Test against Australia was thwarted by rain on July 23. With the fourth match ending in a draw, Australia managed to retain the Ashes with a 2-1 lead. English captain, Ben Stokes, expressed his disappointment after Day 5 and now aims to secure a win in the last match to level the series 2-2.
The fans, fervently supporting England's comeback after losing the first two games, were left heartbroken by the weather's interference. Despite predictions favoring a 3-2 victory for England after Day 3's play, the outcome was not in their favor, adding to the fans' disappointment, especially for their captain, Ben Stokes.
Stokes acknowledged the frustration of ending the match on the wrong side of the weather but remained determined to finish the Test summer with a win at The Oval, striving to level the series.
England's strong performance in the first innings, scoring 592, handed them a dominant 275-run lead on Day 3. The bowler Mark Wood's impressive three-wicket haul had Australia struggling at 113/4 by the end of Day 3. Going into Day 4, England appeared to be clear favorites to secure a victory and level the series. However, unfavorable weather conditions, coupled with Marnus Labuschagne's outstanding century for Australia, dashed their hopes on Day 4.
Despite Australia trailing by 61 runs on Day 5, rain intervened once again, denying England the chance to capitalize on their advantage and chase a potentially low target. As a result, the match ended in a draw, leading to Australia retaining the Ashes.
The disappointment for Ben Stokes and his team was palpable, but they now look ahead to the final match with a determination to finish the series on a high note and salvage a measure of pride for their spirited efforts throughout the series.
