Australia retained the urn after no play was doable on day 5 at Outdated Trafford as a result of moist climate, leaving England trailing 2-1 within the sequence forward of the ultimate Check at The Oval, which begins on Thursday.
“Not often may the Ashes have been secured in additional hole circumstances, with virtually two days of rain saving Australia from what appeared sure defeat,” wrote Malcolm Conn within the Sydney Morning Herald.
Regardless of the circumstances of the draw, Conn, like different Australian cricket scribes, was not about to let England off the hook for being down within the sequence heading to Manchester after shedding the primary two Exams at Edgbaston and Lords.
“Regardless of being robbed of victory by the climate, England have solely themselves in charge for being on the incorrect facet of historical past,” Conn added.
“England had been in command of the primary Check at Edgbaston earlier than the cult of Bazball resulted in an over-optimistic declaration and reckless batting.”
Gideon Haigh, writing within the Australian, was kinder to the English however equally cautious of any form of celebrations over the retention of the Ashes.
“The fantasy of two-all going to The Oval had been enchanting to each units of followers; solely the dimmest partisans so crave trophies as to be gratified by non-results,” he wrote.
“Alas for England, somewhat Australian edge in expertise had already stood them in good stead via two nipping finishes …”
Haigh went on to hitch others in suggesting that the holders’ benefit in an Ashes sequence, the place they preserve the urn if the sequence is drawn, be revisited.
“Learn how to clarify to the uninitiated the Oval Check’s bizarre hybrid character, of being ‘dwell’ the place the result of the sequence is anxious, however ‘lifeless’ within the context of the Ashes?” he questioned.
“I do know cricket’s not meant to make sense. However it would possibly, every so often, no less than strive to take action.”
