Heaven fell on the Kangaroos, as they could not win the third test match at Manchester despite being at an advantageous position, thanks to rain god, which helped England salvage a draw and retain the Ashes with a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

Chasing a victory target of 322, England were 37/3 at one stage and heading towards a crushing defeat. However, rain played spoilsport. The match could not resume and ended in a draw, much to the disappointment of the Kangaroos.

England had won the first two Test matches, but Australia bounced back strongly in this match to post 527/7 in the first innings. Clarke led the way with 187, while Chris Rogers (84), Steven Smith (89), Brad Haddin (65*) and Mitchell Starc (66*) were the other top contributors. Swann took five wickets.

England managed to score just 368 in the first innings. Pietersen made 113, while Cook and Bell scored 62 and 60 respectively. Siddle took four wickets, while Starc took three. Harris claimed two wickets. Australia declared their second innings at 172/7, setting a victory target of 332 for England. Clarke was declared ‘Man of the Match’.

As England cannot lose this series now even if Australia win the remaining two matches, they retained the Ashes. This is the first time that England have won a hat-trick of Ashes contests since the 1950s.