Rain plays key role as England retain Ashes

Alastair Cook admitted the rain had slightly dampened 
England’s celebrations after they retained the Ashes when play was abandoned at a soggy Old Trafford yesterday afternoon.

England, leading 2-0 going into this Third Test, had come under pressure in the morning, needing to bat out the day to avoid defeat against Australia.

But, with the hosts on 37 for three, they got a helping hand from the Manchester weather.

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“It’s obviously a great feeling if a slightly strange feeling today,” Cook said. “It’s been a bit of a strange day but for the lads to retain the Ashes after three games, we’ve played some pretty good cricket in the first two games.

“We were behind the eight ball for quite a lot of this game, but we fought hard today and had a little bit of luck with the weather. It’s certainly nice to 
retain the Ashes.”

Australia declared twice in this Test and did most of the running but ran out of time as the weather closed in, and England could be grateful to have come into the match in such a strong position.

Australia made 527 for seven in the first innings and then 
declared on 172 for seven yesterday morning, leaving England with a target of 332 which soon became irrelevant.

“I think it’s been a really good series,” Cook added. “At Lords we played really well. Trent Bridge was a nailbiting game and we were glad to get on the right side of that result. This game, it was an important toss to win but fair play to Australia the way they played put us under a lot of pressure, getting 500 and plenty in that first innings, but we 
responded pretty well.

“Obviously the weather hasn’t been ideal today and it hasn’t quite got the atmosphere 
because of that, but the feeling in the dressing-room now is a very pleasant one. We set out to retain the Ashes and we’ve done that. Now we want to go and win the series.”