Australia RETAIN Ashes as play is abandoned without a ball bowled at Old Trafford despite England’s heroic efforts

AUSTRALIA retained the Ashes as rain stopped England reigning at Old Trafford.

Day-five play at Old Trafford was abandoned at 5.25pm without a ball bowled – meaning a draw and leaving the home side unable to overhaul the Aussies’ 2-1 series lead with just the final Test to come.

It was a damn poor downpour finish for England as play was washed outRex

England skipper Ben Stokes reflects as rain put paid to England’s hopes of winning the Ashes back from AustraliaRichard Pelham / The Sun

England seamer James Anderson was left signing autographs rather than snaring Aussie batsman on he final day at Old TraffordRichard Pelham / The Sun

Ben Stokes’ men waited in vain for improved conditions after reducing the tourists to 214-5 on what little play was possible on Saturday – still 61 runs adrift of saving an innings’ defeat.

But the rain barely relented and Australia will now retain the Ashes – as the worst they can do is draw the series.

England will still hope – and expect – to win the series finale at The Oval, starting on July 27.

That’s because they’ve roared back to win the Third Test and dominate the fourth – after losing the first two.

But a home victory would merely lock this thrilling series at 2-2.

The draw comes after England were frustrated yesterday by Marnus Labuschagne’s stubborn century.

England were able to bowl 30 overs on day four in their attempt to win the Fourth Test and level the series – which was more than they feared at one stage.

But Labuschagne scored 111 and Mitchell Marsh batted throughout the play that was possible.

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It added up to Australia losing just one wicket for 99 runs with Joe Root’s dismissal of Labuschagne the only glimmer of light for the hosts.

Labuschagne and Marsh repelled everything that England threw at them – which included some Mark Wood thunderbolts, a touch of Joe Root deception and a controversial change of ball.

When captain Ben Stokes was told by the umpires it was too dark to bowl his seamers, he tossed the ball to Root and the former captain’s off breaks were the most probing deliveries of the day.

Mind you, it was a mystery how umpire Joel Wilson could accurately judge the light because a pair of sunglasses were plonked on his nose all day under leaden skies and with the floodlights on.

Root took the only wicket when Labuschagne aimed a cut shot and wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow held the catch at the second attempt.

England’s unhappy cover story means they can’t win the Ashes this summerRichard Pelham / The Sun

At least some hardy spectators found time for some unorthodox cricket action at sodden Old Trafford on SundayRichard Pelham / The Sun