Last Updated on 1 year by Charbel Coorey
Cricket News: Old Trafford Manchester weather forecast for 4th Ashes Test | Will rain spoil the 4th Ashes Test at Manchester?
The 2023 Ashes, as predicted by many, is beautifully poised heading into the final two Tests. Australia took a 2-0 series lead thanks to two closely-fought victories, followed by England landing their first punch at Headingley.
Team combinations and battles between players – namely Stuart Broad and David Warner – dominates the talk ahead of the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford. However, there is the worry of rain, with inclement weather forecast throughout the Test match.
Below is a look on whether there could be enough play to allow for a result.
4th Ashes Test 2023: Will the weather play spoilsport at Old Trafford?
According to BBC.com, there is up to a 41% chance of precipitation at 11am on Wednesday; day one of the Test. The good news is that the probability of rain decreases throughout the afternoon. So, there should be close to a full day’s play at least.
Day two (Thursday) looks the most promising of all the days. Sunny intervals and minimal rain is forecast. Day three (Friday) looks a little more worrying with the possibility of light rain showers in the morning, before lower chances of precipitation in the afternoon.
However, days four and five look most worrying. The chance of precipitation stands at 70% right throughout Saturday, with similar conditions forecast for Sunday afternoon. The hope is that the conditions improve by the time the weekend comes around, but one can expect England to go even harder to try set the game up on the opening three days.
AccuWeather predicts similar weather patterns. The first three days should see a good amount of cricket played, but the chances of interruptions on days four and five are high.
What will the pitch be like at Old Trafford?
Also, there is the question of pitch preparation. There has been quite a bit of rain in Manchester in the lead up to the match, which my prompt the captain who wins the toss to bowl first.
However, the team batting first has won 50% of Tests at Old Trafford since the start of 2013. Spin could also play a key factor later in the game, but overcast conditions and the lack of heat should make the pace bowlers the priority.
England will be desperate for the weather to hold up. Should the match end in a draw, Australia will retain the Ashes as the hosts have to win the series to regain the coveted urn.
