Ashes 2023: England should not be too deflated, says Nasser Hussain after rain washes out Manchester Test

Former England skipper Nasser Hussain feels the Ben Stokes-led team should not be too deflated despite a drawn Test match at Old Trafford, Manchester against Australia. England dominated the penultimate Test match but rain washed out the final day of the Test match.

In fact, only 30 overs were possible on the fourth day’s play. England was in a shoo-in position, needing five wickets with Australia trailing by 61 runs but no play was possible on Sunday.

The home team scored a massive score of 592 runs in the first innings after Australia was skittled out for 317 runs. Zak Crawley was the star of the show as the England opener scored a piece de resistance knock of 189 runs whereas Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root scored 99 and 84 runs respectively.

Meanwhile, it has been a fantastic series as the first three Test matches have gone down to the wire but the fourth Test ended in a draw and Australia has retained the Ashes as they won by 4-0 back in 2021.

“This is the worst possible way to end [England’s chances of regaining the Ashes]. Two days of rain in July after everything we have seen in a terrific series. There has not been a dull session,” Hussain told Sky Sports.

He further added, “It’s disappointing for spectators, viewers and players. Australia wouldn’t have wanted to retain the Ashes like this.”

Hussain added that England shouldn’t be too disappointed as they thoroughly dominated the fourt Test match.

“From where England were in winning one Test in 17, this is now their first draw and they have only drawn because of the weather. They have completely bossed this game, they have been the better team, they have been outstanding. They shouldn’t be too deflated,” he asserted.

England were able to tick the right boxes in the penultimate Test match but the rain robbed them of a deserved win. The fifth and final Test match will be played at Kennington Oval, London from July 27.