Fourth day abandoned due to rain

Day four of the fifth Ashes Test match between England and Australia has been abandoned due to rain.

The early forecast had predicted that any play during Saturday would have been treated as a bonus, and the possibility of a washout became realistic after an early lunch was called.

The rain continued into the afternoon, and with a dry spell of two hours needed to prepare the outfield, the umpires decided to call time for the day shortly after 4pm.

A full day's play is expected on Sunday, but the final three sessions of this Ashes series are likely to be competed with the knowledge that the only possible result of this Test match is a draw.