WEATHER BEATEN

Ashes hopes drowned out as the focus now switches to where England went wrong in this thrilling series

- DEAN WILSON

AUSTRALIA retained the Ashes at Old Trafford - just as they did in 2019 - as England were beaten by the weather and their own overenthusiasm.

Persistent rain throughout the final day was enough to prevent any play and secure the draw that the Aussies had been looking for after naming their team with an extra batter and no spinner.

They have been clinging on to their lead from the moment they were pegged back to 2-1 at Headingley.

And thanks to the weather they have done just that.

But they will know that England are the coming team. They had made all the running across the third and fourth Tests and were primed for a smash and grab at the Oval.

And what an occasion that would have been for a set-up who have seen their Bazball method come good - just not quite good enough.

It means the two Test wins Australia secured at Edgbaston and Lord's will be enough to deny England for another couple of years, and keep the urn they have held since 2018.