'We've missed an opportunity' - Brad Hogg unhappy with no 'reserve day' for rain-marred drawn fourth Test of Ashes 2023

Australia retained the Ashes after the fourth Test of the ongoing series at Old Trafford, Manchester ended in a draw following relentless rain on the last two days of the match. Being 2-1 ahead, Australia were 214/5 trailing by 61 runs in the second innings, however, incessant rain didn’t give enough time to England to force a result.

As a result, the Pat Cummins-led side retained the 'urn' with just one game left being the current holders of the trophy having won it in the 2021-22 edition. Commenting on the outcome, the former Australia cricketer, Brad Hogg, was unhappy with the result and stated that there should’ve been a reserve day in place to force a result in the game as there was a forecast for heavy rains on the last two days. 

“You can have a reserve day. I think they should have said ‘There's a chance of rain here at Old Trafford. A huge chance [of rain], so we may put a rest day here and push the next Test match just another day later,” Hogg told talkSPORT.

Furthermore, Brad Hogg said that with both teams level at 2-2 heading into the fifth game, the series would’ve been set for an exciting finish.

“'We want to make sure we're going into the final Test match with an opportunity of both teams being 2-2 and we want that highlight going into the last Test match'. And now we have just missed that opportunity,” he added.

Interestingly enough, England found themselves at the other end of the spectrum, as back in 2013, they managed to retain the urn after the third Test of the series at Old Trafford ended in a draw due to rain. The hosts were reeling at 37/3 chasing a target of 332 in the fourth innings before rain played spoilsport.

Australia eyeing first Ashes series win in England since 2001

Meanwhile, the two teams will now face off in the fifth and final Test of the series, which will begin on Thursday, July 27, at the Kennington Oval, in London. Having lost the opportunity to regain the Ashes, the Ben Stokes-led side will still have a lot to play for as they look to defend their 22-year unbeaten record at home against Australia.

On the other hand, history beckons Australia at the Oval as they’re on the brink of winning their first Ashes series in England since 2001. Having won the World Test Championship final 2023 in June, captain Pat Cummins will be eager to add another feather to his cap and etch his name in history by winning the Ashes as well.