England retained the Ashes after a draw in the third Test against Australia

England retained the Ashes after rain washed out the last two sessions of the fifth day of third Test against Australia at Old Trafford ended in a draw on Monday.


Before the rain disrupted the match England were 37 for 3 (with Alastair Cook, Jonathan Trott and Kevin Pietersen back to the hut) in 20.3 overs, the English were stumbling in their bid to bat out the day and secure the series-clinching draw.

Ryan Harris was the standout bowler for the Australian's. he struck twice in quick succession to remove England captain Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott. Later Peter Siddle claimed the prize wicket of Kevin Pietersen, which made pietersen a bit furious.

Then a persistent rain, promised by forecasters for the past two days, arrived shortly after lunch, denying Australia a shot at a series-saving win. 

At the close, England were 295 runs shy of the victory target, with Joe Root, dropped on four, 13 not out and Ian Bell four not out.

Now the best Australia can hope for is to share the series 2-2. In the event of a drawn campaign, the team that last won the Ashes retains them and in this series that means England following their 3-1 win in Australia in 2010/11.

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