MANCHESTER, England (AP) — The start of play in the third day of the fourth Ashes test has been delayed by rain.

England was set to resume on 23-1 in reply to Australia's first-innings total of 497-8 declared that included 211 from Steve Smith.

A draw looks to be the best result possible for England and it would keep the team alive in the series.

The teams are tied at 1-1 with one more test to play, at The Oval starting next week. Australia will retain the urn if the series is drawn.

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