The Ashes 2013 – 3rd Test, Day 5: England retain Ashes as rain scuppers Australia's blueprint

Ryan Harris picked up the wickets of Cook and Trott to give Australia the upper hand

The fifth and final day of the third Ashes Test at Manchester in England started with stark possibility of rain which compelled the Australian captain Michael Clarke to declare their innings at 172/7 to set England a target of 332 in 98 overs.

The home team was dealt with an early blow as Ryan Harris picked up the wickets of Alastair Cook, for a duck, and Jonathan Trott, for 11, with the scoreboard reading 15/2 in 12.2 overs.

Soon after Joe Root was dropped by Clarke at the first slip.

But, Peter Siddle struck again as Kevin Pietersen was controversially declared out caught behind. Despite the hotspot showing no trace of an edge, third umpire Kumar Dharmasena, due to a faint sound heard in the replays, chose not to overturn Tony Hill’s decision.

With the early blows making Australia the clear favourites at lunch, the rains arrived after just three balls were bowled in the post-lunch session. The teams had to settle for a draw as the rains persisted, with Joe Root and Ian Bell remaining not out for England.

Batting first, helped by Clarke’s 187, Australia had posted 527 on the board. England, in reply, were all out for 368, courtesy Pieteren’s 113. A draw here means England, leading the series 2-0 already, will retain the Ashes even if Australia come back to win the two remaining Test matches.