England managed to keep their series win hopes alive in the Ashes by defeating Australia by three wickets in the 3rd Test at Headingley.
Despite the threats posed by Australia, Harry Brook and Chris Woakes played crucial innings to secure the victory.
The match was affected by rain, with two sessions being washed out on the third day.
However, England took only 20.1 overs after play resumed to pick up Australia’s remaining six wickets and set themselves a target of 251 runs.
The win in the second session of Day 4 kept England in the series, and they will now have to perform well in the fourth Test at Old Trafford to level the series.
Scoring runs was challenging in the third Test due to the seaming wicket at Headingley, with a wicket falling after every 6.2 overs. Fast bowlers enjoyed success in the match.
The upcoming Test at Old Trafford will be crucial for both teams. England will aim to level the series 2-2, while Australia will look to secure a series win in England, which they haven’t achieved since 2001.
The rain-affected Ashes games in the past have provided some dramatic encounters.
Here are five of the best rain-affected Ashes matches:
1. 2009 Ashes, 1st Test, Cardiff:
In this match, England won the toss and chose to bat first.
They posted a total of 435 runs, with contributions from Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood, and Matt Prior. In response, Ricky Ponting and Simon Katich led Australia’s charge with centuries.
The match was affected by rain, and England managed to salvage a draw thanks to Paul Collingwood’s resistance in the final innings. This draw proved crucial as England went on to win the series 2-1.
2. 2013 Ashes, 5th Test, The Oval:
England had already secured the series victory and were leading 3-0 going into the final Test. Australia declared their innings, setting England a target of 227 runs in 44 overs.
Kevin Pietersen played a quick innings, but bad light forced the players off the field when England needed just 21 runs to win.
The umpires’ decision to go off for bad light caused controversy, and the match ended in a draw.
3. 2019 Ashes, 3rd Test, Headingley:
Rain interrupted play on the first day, and Australia were bowled out for 179 runs. England’s innings was disastrous as they were bundled out for just 67 runs.
Australia set England a target of 359 runs to win. Ben Stokes played an extraordinary innings, scoring an unbeaten 135 runs and leading England to a miraculous victory.
The match will be remembered for Stokes’ heroics and one of the best finishes in Test cricket history.
4. 2005 Ashes, 3rd Test, Old Trafford:
The 2005 Ashes series is considered one of the greatest ever. After the series was leveled at 1-1 in Birmingham, the teams moved to Old Trafford.
Rain affected the match, and Australia faced only 14 overs on the third day. England set a target of 423 runs, and the final day saw several twists and turns.
The match ended in a draw with Australia battling hard in the final session to secure a draw.
5. 1948 Ashes, 5th Test, The Oval:
This Test is famous for being Sir Donald Bradman’s last match. England were bowled out for just 52 runs in their first innings due to Ray Lindwall’s devastating bowling.
Australia posted 389 runs, and Bradman, needing four runs to finish with an average of 100, was dismissed for a duck.
Rain and bad light interrupted play, but Australia ultimately won by an innings and 149 runs, completing a 4-0 series sweep.
These rain-affected Ashes matches have provided unforgettable moments and showcased the resilience and determination of both teams.
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