Pat Cummins Reacts After Rain-Affected 4th Test Ends In Draw To Secure Ashes Retention For Australia

After the game was formally suspended, Pat Cummins acknowledged that it seemed "weird" to have retained the Ashes after a Test in which Australia had been utterly outplayed by England

Australia captain pat Cummins gives the thumbs up to fans during day five of the LV= Insurance Ashes 4th Test Match between England and Australia at Emirates Old Trafford on July 23, 2023 in Manchester, England.

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The fourth Ashes Test in 2023 at Old Trafford in Manchester concluded in a draw after the last day was rained out. Throughout the game, England held a commanding advantage and appeared certain to win. But because of the rain, Australia were spared and they were able to retain back the Ashes. The series is presently 2-1 with the last Test is scheduled to take place at The Oval. Post the match, Australia skipper Pat Cummins has stated that although they have retained the Ashes urn, the task is far from finished because their primary goal is still to win the series.

The one innings England batted in the match, they placed a staggering 592 runs on the board while adhering to their Bazball strategy, with 6 of the top 7 hitters scoring 50 runs or more. Zak Crawley led his team in scoring with an impressive 189 runs off 182 balls, including 21 fours and 3 sixes.

After the game was formally suspended, Cummins acknowledged that it seemed "weird" to have retained the Ashes in a Test in which Australia had been utterly outplayed by England. He did, however, make a crucial point that England supporters can't help but agree with. 

"It's really nice to retain it," Cummins said. "Obviously not in the circumstances we would have liked, but you look back at the last series and the first two games here and to get ourselves into this position ... The rain might have helped us out, but great result."

British Media personality Piers Morgan called it "gutting" that England was once again denied an Ashes victory, while remembering onset of rain in 2013, which allowed England to win the series under precisely identical conditions.

"Has there ever been a less-deserved retention of The Ashes?" Morgan tweeted. "From the Bairstow debacle to this rain-soaked fiasco, it's an absolute farce that smirking Australia have ended up with the urn still in their hands. England comfortably the better side as this Test showed. Gutting."

Aussies will still be determined to win Ashes series outright at The Oval

The Australian Skipper Pat Cummins in a post-match interview clearly stated:

"I don't think there will be huge celebrations," Cummins said. "Maybe a bit of a pat on the back for retaining the (Ashes).

"There's been a lot of work gone into putting us into a position where a draw does make us retain the Ashes. But there's a Test match starting in three days, so that's going to be our full focus."

Asked if he felt like the side hadn't achieved anything yet, Cummins said: "That's fair. In some regards, whatever happened today wouldn't really change how we look at next week. We want to win it to make sure we win it outright."

The 5th Test will commence on July 27, at The Oval in London. The Aussies will look on to the next test match and winning it fair and square after the whole 4th test being rained out.