Summary

  • Play resumed at 14:45 BST before rain returned at 17:00 and no further play possible

  • Brook drops Marsh on 31 - tough chance at short leg

  • Labuschagne caught behind off Root for fine 111 - given on review

  • Australia lead five-match series 2-1 and will retain Ashes if England fail to win

  • Use audio icon at top of page to listen to Test Match Special

  • Get Involved: #bbccricket, WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

Live Reporting

Timothy Abraham and Callum Matthews

  1. Get Involved

    Text 81111 (UK only - standard message rates apply) and #bbccricket

    As frustrating as the day has been so far, I bet Jimmy is licking his lips at bowling under these clouds.

    Gary

    I would love Jimmy Anderson to put on one final show and run through Australia here

    Simon Mahon

  2. Phil Tufnell
    Former England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

    Wood said this morning he only needs six balls...

  3. Jonathan Agnew
    BBC cricket correspondent on Test Match Special

    I'd definitely give a couple to Mark Wood. With the wind behind him, he'd be tearing in.

  4. Aus 115-4

    Marnus Labuschagne shows the maker's name to the final ball of James Anderson's over. A defiant block

    Mark Wood is at the top of his mark at the James Anderson End. Mitch Marsh on strike.

  5. Jonathan Agnew
    BBC cricket correspondent on Test Match Special

    Thank goodness we're getting some play!

  6. Aus 115-4

    Fans are flocking from the tram stop at Old Trafford and making their way into the ground. It's filling up.

    Mitch Marsh works James Anderson round the corner to score his first runs of the day.

  7. Jonathan Agnew
    BBC cricket correspondent on Test Match Special

    What a noise this is! Those that are here are right behind England here.

  8. Aus 113-4

    James Anderson's first ball is high on to the pads of Marnus Labuschagne and he flicks it for a single into the leg side.

  9. Matthew Henry
    BBC Sport at Old Trafford

    A special roar as Jerusalem ends from the crowd...

  10. James Anderson will bowl the first over of the day, but from the Brian Statham End.

  11. Stephan Shemilt
    BBC Sport chief cricket writer at Old Trafford

    I'm off to collect my tenner from Henry Moeran. I'm going to strut in there like Vince McMahon.

  12. England's players are out on the field, mandatory group huddle. Jerusalem belting out on the PA system.

  13. Jonathan Agnew
    BBC cricket correspondent on Test Match Special

    I never remember which way round it is, regarding the Pennines. But we can see the Pennines behind us at the moment. I think that means it's not going to rain, but also means it's about to rain.

  14. Matthew Henry
    BBC Sport at Old Trafford

    Who are you opening the bowling with?

    Woakes and...?

  15. Andy Zaltzman
    Cricket statistician on Test Match Special

    During the match the pitch may be rolled at the request of the captain of the batting side for a period of no more than seven minutes before the start of each innings, other than the first innings of the match, and before the start of each subsequent days play.

  16. The roller is coming out on to give the pitch at Old Trafford a bit of a press before play starts.

  17. Get Involved

    #bbccricket, WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

    Evan in Ruislip (14:23) has got that bang on. We knew this rain was coming on day one, so we should have extended all three days. Sometimes cricket sticks so rigidly to its rules, it forgets about its wider appeal, particularly to youngsters who are the future of the game.

    Pete in Whitnash.

  18. Vic Marks
    Former England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

    England deserve the opportunity to keep going against the Australian batters. It'll be interesting the way the Aussies will go about it. I think Labuschagne is just happy to occupy the crease and wear the bowlers down and not take any big risks.

    Mitchell Marsh's instincts are aggressive and he plays his best cricket when he's looking to be attacking. I suspect it will be a mistake for him to play a long, defensive innings because that is not what he has done.

  19. Alison Mitchell
    Cricket commentator on BBC Test Match Special

    There's someone in the crowd who is wearing a mask and a snorkel. Hopefully they won't need that for the remainder of the day.

  20. Which bowlers are going to be key for England?

    Isa Guha and Alex Hartley have given their thoughts.