Piers Morgan slams "absolute farce" as Australia retain Ashes due to rain

23 July 2023 , 19:00

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Piers Morgan was left frustrated by the Ashes outcome (Image: PA)

Piers Morgan questioned whether Australia deserved to retain the Ashes amid a rain-decimated final day at Old Trafford.

England opened up a wide first-innings lead over their rivals in the fourth test, but the tourists were saved by the weather in Manchester to see it end in a draw. Australia now lead the series 2-1 with just one test remaining, meaning they will at the very least secure the tied series they need to retain the urn.

It has been an entertaining series but one with plenty of controversial moments, not least the stumping of Jonny Bairstow at Lord's. And broadcaster Morgan, a keen sports fan, didn't mince his words.

"FFS. Has there ever been a less-deserved retention of the Ashes?" the 58-year-old wrote on social media.

"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."

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While he was clearly frustrated by the outcome, Morgan still had plenty of time for Ben Stokes' captaincy. "Never been prouder of @englandcricket than under this guy," he wrote, sharing a photo of Stokes.

"What a captain, what a style of cricket he’s cultivated. Thank you @benstokes38 - we may have been robbed of the Ashes but the entertainment you’ve given us is incredible."

Are Australia worthy of their Ashes win? Have your say in the comments section

Rain at Old Trafford stopped England from being able to force an Ashes decider (Getty Images)

England still have a chance to restore some pride with victory in the fifth test at the Oval. While a 2-2 overall draw would see the urn remain with the current holders, it would still be a notable improvement on the 4-0 defeat England suffered down Under in 2021-22.

All of the first three tests were tightly-fought things. England lost by two wickets in the opener and 43 runs in the second, while they avoided a scare to win by three wickets at Headingley.

"It is a tough one to take," Stokes said after the result was confirmed. "Playing the cricket we managed to play over the first three days and get on the wrong side of the weather it is tough to take but it is all part of the journey.

"Coming into the game, knowing what we needed to do, played in our hands a little bit. It was another do or die game for us. We couldn't have done too much more. It will be tough to look back on but there is one more game to go and we'll be trying to tie the series and a lot of pride to play for.

Tom Victor