The Ashes 2023 LIVE: England vs Australia score and latest updates as tourists bowled out for 224

A superb 77 from Travis Head in difficult conditions steered Australia to 224 all out in their second innings, setting England 251 to win the third Ashes test, with the hosts closing a rain-delayed day three on 27-0 in pursuit of that target.

Play did not get underway until well into the Leeds Saturday evening but when the action started, Australian wickets fell quickly to raise England hopes of ensuring their target would be more than reachable.

Head had other ideas, however. After a conservative start, the versatile batter hammered 10 boundaries, including three sixes, in a thrilling innings against hostile bowling to give Australia hope of retaining the Ashes with two matches to spare.

He was the last man out, giving Australia five overs to get at England before stumps, but despite some near misses, openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley survived to set things up nicely for dramatic finale in a test the hosts must win.

Follow all the live action below from Headingley as England face Australia:

England vs Australia - third Ashes Test, day three

• Australia start the day 116 for four

• Rain delays mean no play before lunch

• Play resumed at 4.45pm

• After one over the rain came back and there was another delay

• Wicket! Mitchell Marsh out for 28, Australia 131 for 5

• Wicket! Alex Carey out for 5, Australia 139 for 6

• Wicket! Starc out for 16, Australia 168 for 7

• Wicket! Cummins out for 1, Australia 170-8

• 50! Head scores a half century

• Wicket! Murphy out lbw for 11, Australia 211 for 9

• Wicket! Head out for 77, Australia all out for 224

• STUMPS: England 27-0 and need 224 to win

England need 224 runs to win on day four

Saturday 8 July 2023 20:18 , Sonia Twigg

England were eyeing another memorable Ashes climax at Headingley after knocking over Australia to leave themselves in charge of a fourth-innings chase in the third Test.

The third day in Leeds looked destined to be a washout, with no play possible until 4.45pm, but those who kept the faith were rewarded with a gripping final session that saw the home side grab control of the game and keep alive their dreams of regaining the urn.

Well rested after a long dressing room vigil watching the rain fall, they picked up the hunt and took six wickets for 108 to roll their rivals for 224.

That left a chase of 251, with openers Zak Crawley (9no) and Ben Duckett (18no) making a breezy 27 without loss in five overs at the death.

Dominant bowling display leaves England chasing 251 to keep Ashes alive

England need 224 runs to win on day four

Saturday 8 July 2023 19:55 , Sonia Twigg

Chris Woakes took two crucial wickets in the shortened evening session on day three and was happy to have the opportunity to perform again for England, having not played before under the Bazball era.

“It’s always amazing to pull on the whites, it has been a little while in England since I did that. I love Test cricket and when you’re out there in the heat of the battle and taking wickets for England it’s an amazing feeling,” he said.

“I’ve just thoroughly enjoyed this Test match so far.”

A lot of similarities have been drawn to the magical Headingley Test in 2019, and Woakes said: “I hope so (that this one is similar) because it means we win the Test match, but it would be nice to do it a little bit easier.

“There’s aobiovusly a full day ahead of us tomorrow. The guys went out tonight in a tricky period and got through that.”

England need 224 runs to win on day four

Saturday 8 July 2023 19:46 , Sonia Twigg

Travis Head said on the game situation: “I think this whole series has ebbed and flowed so it’s hard to see (who is on top) at the half way point now.

“We’ve got to a total but we’d love more runs.

“I think anyone would say that in any situation, but we want to bring our very best tomorrow and try to win the Test match.”

He added: “We’ve been in similar positions where we’ve had our backs up the wall. It’s a huge day in the series tomorrow, I think it would be silly for both camps to not say that there’s nerves.

“I think it’s fair to say that it’s a nice play to be with the series on the line and hopefully we can redeem something from 2019 at this place.”

England need 224 runs to win on day four

Saturday 8 July 2023 19:43 , Sonia Twigg

At the start of the post-day reaction, Travis Head was asked about his innings, a well-struck 77.

“We’ll see where it lies when we finish tomorrow.

“I felt like I battled through today for periods and tried to put some pressure back on them at the end there.

“I feel like we’ve got an opportunity to try and win a Test match.”

On similarities to Stokes’ first-innings 80 which steered England towards a competitive total: “I don’t think you can compare me and Ben together. I just tried to give myself as much space.

“I felt I worked through it well.”

STUMPS: England 27-0, Crawley 9 Duckett 18, Boland 0-2 (1) England need 224 to win

Saturday 8 July 2023 19:32 , Sonia Twigg

Stumps: In the final over of the day, there was time for a change of bowler, with Scott Boland coming into the attack after Cummins had been expensive in the evening session.

England’s batters lived on thick inside edges, but both skewed safely to the fielder in the deep for a single.

Duckett edged another one, but just short of Khawaja in the slips, he has lived slightly dangerously here.

England have successfully navigated what could prove a crucial period of the game, and need 224 more runs to win with 10 wickets remaining at the start of day four.

England 25-0, Crawley 8 Duckett 17, Starc 0-8 (2) need 226 to win

Saturday 8 July 2023 19:27 , Sonia Twigg

Duckett edges Starc over the slips to start the fourth over, clipped the shoulder of the bat almost, England have got off to a flyer but need to get through without losing a wicket.

Crawley safely lets the final two balls of the over go straight through to Alex Carey.

England 20-0, Crawley 8, Duckett 12 Cummins 0-17 (2) trail by 231

Saturday 8 July 2023 19:22 , Sonia Twigg

Duckett’s inability to leave the ball almost became his undoing. He chased a ball on eighth or ninth stump, and that will give the Australians encouragement.

England just need to navigate this spell to the close of play without a wicket to hold an advantage going into the fourth day.

That one struck Duckett on the finger, and the physios have come out, the ball bounced safe into the leg side, and importantly for England, that small delay has taken more time out of the game.

The next ball is smacked through the off side for four, a short wide delivery from Cummins, and the next ball is driven down the ground.

England 11-0, Crawley 8, Duckett 3, Starc 0-3 (1) trail by 240

Saturday 8 July 2023 19:17 , Sonia Twigg

Duckett tucks one away for a single from Starc to start the second over of the England innings.

It’s just played around well for England, and both players have defended well.

There’s no rush and they have so far approached the situation watchfully.

There’s a big appeal from Starc and Australia after Duckett chased one down the leg side, and Australia have reviewed the decision.

It was a hasty decision from the tourists, with a flat line shown as the ball went past the bat, and in a run chase, Australia have already used up one review.

Duckett edged the next delivery, but it bounced just on the half volley to Steve Smith in the slips.

England 8-0, Crawley 7, Duckett 1, Cummins 0-8 (1) trail by 243

Saturday 8 July 2023 19:10 , Sonia Twigg

Zak Crawley got off the mark straight away with a single into the leg side off Cummins.

Duckett plays one defensively before hitting his first runs from the second ball with a flick down to fine leg.

A Crawley drive through midwicket for two, then a four the next ball in the same area of the ground has got England off to a good start in their run chase.

England moved on to a total of eight runs from the first over.

It is worth a quick reminder that the cut-off time today is 7.30pm.

Wicket! Head out for 77, Australia all out for 224

Saturday 8 July 2023 18:57 , Sonia Twigg

Wicket! Travis Head goes! England have bowled Australia out for 224.

He hasn’t quite got hold of one and it has flown high but close enough to Ben Duckett at deep midwicket and he caught it safely to bring an end to the Australian innings.

When England come out to bat, they need 250 to win.

Australia 224-8, Head 77, Boland 0 Wood 2-66 (17) lead by 250

Saturday 8 July 2023 18:55 , Sonia Twigg

Wood starts a sixth successive over, and Head has used the extra pace to find the long boundary into the stands for a six.

Head has hit another successive six, this really feels like Stokes’ first innings now, if even a top-edge has flown 10 rows back.

Head moves on to 76 not out, and the next delivery was plinked towards the fielder, but far short.

The Australian batter has seen out the over and kept the strike away from Boland.

Wicket! Murphy is out for 11, Australia 211 for 9, Broad 2-45 (14) lead by 237

Saturday 8 July 2023 18:48 , Sonia Twigg

Wicket! Murphy is trapped lbw by Stuart Broad

Broad and England wheeled away celebrating the lbw and the finger went up after a change of bowling reaped the rewards.

Murphy appealed the decision, but it’s upheld by DRS on umpire’s call for height and Australia are nine down.

Broad started the spell with a beautiful ball that angled in and went past the outside edge.

It’s a lot brighter here at Headingley and there is a touch of blue sky for the first time all day pretty much, and even a glimpse of sun.

Australia 211 for eight, Head 68, Murphy 11, Wood 2-53 (16) lead by 237

Saturday 8 July 2023 18:41 , Sonia Twigg

Head smashes Wood down the ground to long off after a discussion between Stokes and Wood following the first ball of the over.

Wood strikes Head on the glove, the ball looped wide of Bairstow, but the Australian batter has his glove off and looks in some pain here, caught right on the bottom hand middle finger.

He was backing away for the final ball of the over and couldn’t keep the strike, so it’ll be Murphy to face at the start of the next one.

Australia 207-8, Head 60, Murphy 11, Woakes 3-68 (18) lead by 233

Saturday 8 July 2023 18:35 , Sonia Twigg

Head has hit Woakes for six to the short boundary towards the Western Terrace.

He is almost doing what Stokes did when batting with the tail yesterday, farming the strike and hitting the ball into the stands.

There are a lot of discussions between the seam bowlers here and Stokes, England just setting their plans.

Head 50, Australia 199 for eight. Murphy 10, Wood 2-49 (15) lead by 225

Saturday 8 July 2023 18:28 , Sonia Twigg

Head raises his bat to a half century

Head has played this Wood over very well and kept the strike perfectly to move on to 49.

Wood’s next delivery flew high and Head will be on 49 for the final ball of the over.

Head brings up his 50 with a slog into the leg side.

Head 53 not out from 94 balls, but it will be Murphy to face the start of the next over.

Australia 189 for 8, Head 43, Murphy 10, Woakes 3-60 (17) lead by 215

Saturday 8 July 2023 18:20 , Sonia Twigg

Interesting change of tactics from Head, who is now farming the strike and declining singles as Woakes continues from the Rugby end.

Head has pulled Wood to the boundary, it was a perfectly timed and executed shot that went wide of the fine leg fielder.

There’s another boundary when Brook completely miss-judged where the ball was going and Head moved on to 42.

Head takes a single to keep the strike.

Australia 180-8, Head 34, Murphy 10, Wood 2-39 (14) lead by 206

Saturday 8 July 2023 18:15 , Sonia Twigg

Todd Murphy in his first Ashes Test match was off the mark with a boundary following the wicket of Cummins.

Moeen Ali made a brilliant an unorthodox stop on the boundary to prevent another boundary from Murphy, a diving slide tackle flick to keep the ball in with his foot.

England had their head in their hands on the final ball of the over, when Murphy’s flick off the bads flew high and wide of Bairstow.

Wicket! Cummins out for 1, Australia 170-8

Saturday 8 July 2023 18:09 , Sonia Twigg

Wicket! Cummins is out, caught behind off Wood for 1. Australia 170-8

Australia have reviewed the decision, but it was given out caught behind on field.

Mark Wood was just proving too quick for the Australian tail here, but DRS showed the ball clipping the bat on the way through.

Australia 170-7, Head 34, Cummins 1, Woakes 3-51 (16) lead by 196

Saturday 8 July 2023 18:07 , Sonia Twigg

For Head at the start of the over, all nine fielders were on the boundary, with England keen to have more of a go at incoming batter Pat Cummins.

For the Australian captain, the field was much more traditional, with three slips, and just two on the boundary, both behind the wicket at fine leg and third man.

Woakes bowled one that again was just millimetres away from the edge of the bat, but Cummins was off the mark with a thick edge down to third man.

Australia 168-7, Head 33, Cummins 0, Wood 1-29 (13) lead by 194

Saturday 8 July 2023 18:03 , Sonia Twigg

What an over from Mark Wood, he has his breakthrough, and continues a prolific evening session for England.

It was just a top edge that did for Starc, but it was enough.

Wicket! Starc has been caught by Brook for 16, Australia 168 for 7

Saturday 8 July 2023 18:00 , Sonia Twigg

Wicket! Harry Brook catches Mitchell Starc off Wood

It’s hard to understand why it was Brook underneath that top edge instead of Bairstow.

Brook has sprinted from short leg, dived over his shoulder to take the catch and give Wood his first wicket of the innings.

But Bairstow with the gloves hasn’t moved towards it at all. It doesn’t matter for England but it was odd.

Starc has to depart and this could be a crucial day for England even with the extensive rain delay.

Australia 166-6, Head 32, Starc 16, Woakes 3-49(15) lead by 192

Saturday 8 July 2023 17:55 , Sonia Twigg

Woakes bowled another clever over from the Rugby Stand end and England can’t believe that some of those deliveries just went past the bat.

It’s all going England’s way at the moment.

Australia 161-8, Head 32, Starc 10, Wood 0-27(12) lead by 187

Saturday 8 July 2023 17:50 , Sonia Twigg

Head chipped one into the air off Wood, but it falls short of Woakes at a very wide fine leg.

Starc has flicked the ball into the leg side, it was hit hard and short leg didn’t have a choice, but he has played Wood’s 90mph+ deliveries competently so far this innings.

The next one has absolutely flown off the pitch, high of Bairstow and it goes to the boundary, it’ll count as byes but on that occasion there didn’t seem like there was much the wicketkeeper could do.

The next delivery is punched down the ground for four by Starc.

Australia 149-6, Head 31, Starc 3, Woakes 3-44 (14) lead by 175

Saturday 8 July 2023 17:44 , Sonia Twigg

Time for the bouncer trap that England have employed so often this series.

There’s a third man, deep backwards square, and deep square all on the boundary to Travis Head.

But to Mitchell Starc it’s a much more conventional field.

Australia 147-6, Head 30, Starc 2, Wood 0-19 (11) lead by 173

Saturday 8 July 2023 17:40 , Sonia Twigg

Time for Mark Wood, and he’s already hit 90mph inside his first over.

This is great bowling from England and those who waited all day to watch some cricket have been rewarded.

Facing up to the England quick, Starc managed to play one well into the off side for a two.

For Australia it may be a case of weathering the storm here.

Australia 139-6, Head 25, Starc 0, Woakes 3-42 (13), lead by 165

Saturday 8 July 2023 17:36 , Sonia Twigg

Woakes has another and it’s a key breakthrough.

Alex Carey has departed, after looking uncomfortable since he came to the crease and England are making the most of these very bowling-friendly conditions.

Wicket! Woakes takes the wicket of Carey for 5, Australia struggling at 139 for six

Saturday 8 July 2023 17:33 , Sonia Twigg

Wicket! Woakes strikes again and Carey is out to the delight of the crowd, and he departs for just five.

It was similar to the last wicket, but a strange one. It bounced down onto the wicket off the gloves and Australia are struggling here at 139 for six.

Australia 134 for 5, Head 24, Carey 1, Broad 1-45 (13)

Saturday 8 July 2023 17:28 , Sonia Twigg

A beautiful over from Broad, and he had Carey struggling there, as the crowd sung “if you hate Carey stand up”.

What a first ball of the over from Broad, it just seamed away and Carey was beaten, but it just slipped past the outside edge of the bat.

Another seed from Broad, almost identical to the delivery before, and again just millimetres away from just clipping the bat.

Australia 134 for 5, Head 21, Carey 1, Woakes 2-37 (12) Australia lead by 158

Saturday 8 July 2023 17:24 , Sonia Twigg

Carey got off the mark with an easy single from Woakes.

There was another concerning moment for Australia, when Travis Head went to pull the ball and almost hit it onto his stumps.

Australia 132 for 5, head 23, Carey 0, Broad 1-45 (12)

Saturday 8 July 2023 17:20 , Sonia Twigg

Alex Carey came out to boos from all those who remained in the ground, which was more than I had been expecting.

The Western Terrace is about 3/4 full, an impressive feat when play started for the first time today at 4.45pm.

Stuart Broad continued, and Australia’s flow of runs in the first three overs slowed slightly, with jsut the one from the over.

Australia 131-5, Head 22, Carey 0, Woakes 2-35 (11)

Saturday 8 July 2023 17:16 , Sonia Twigg

A stroke of fortune from Woakes and England have a breakthrough they desperately wanted.

The batter who caused problems with his run-a-ball 118 in the first innings was out caught behind trying to leave the ball.

There is movement and bounce under the lights and the still grey skies here at Headingley and it could be a hell of a session.

Wicket! Marsh out for 28, Australia 131 for 5

Saturday 8 July 2023 17:13 , Sonia Twigg

Wicket! Woakes has Marsh for just 28.

That’s what England have kept going and rushing out onto the field for, bowling under the lights.

The ball moved and bounced and just caught the bottom of the bat as Marsh tried to leave the delivery, and it was an easy catch for Jonny Bairstow who didn’t have to move.

Australia 126-4, Marsh 24, Head 21, Broad 1-44 (11)

Saturday 8 July 2023 17:09 , Sonia Twigg

Stuart Broad got the game underway for a second time after a very brief rain delay.

There was a single from Travis Head down to the midwicket boundary, but it was a Mitchell Marsh drive down the ground for four that felt like it properly got the game going - not that there has been anything to choose from really.

Australia continued to rotate the strike, and it was an expensive over from Broad, but the final ball of the over showed why England were so keen to get going, it nipped and beat the bat of the Australian batter.

Australia 118 for 4

Saturday 8 July 2023 17:01 , Sonia Twigg

The covers have now all come off after that brief delay, and the umpires are returning to the field.

Second rain delay - Australia 118 for 4

Saturday 8 July 2023 16:56 , Sonia Twigg

After a solitary over, the rain came back and we’re off again.

Fortunately for those hoping to see some cricket today, the latest play can restart is 7pm and play can go on until 7.30pm.

Australia 118 for 4, Marsh 18, Head 19, Woakes 1-30 (10)

Saturday 8 July 2023 16:50 , Sonia Twigg

Chris Woakes finally got day three underway at 4.45pm.

The first ball was as expected, and the second flew off the pitch, with Jonny Bairstow wrong-footed but just managed to get a hand to it to prevent byes.

Marsh got the ball away for a quick single, but it’s undoubtedly bowling-friendly conditions in Leeds.

There was an lbw shout on the final ball of the over, but as England rushed through it started to drizzle again.

That’s that then, the players come off, the rain is falling.

Play at Headingley due to get underway at 4.45pm

Saturday 8 July 2023 16:44 , Sonia Twigg

The Australians are out on the field and we should get play finally underway.

Although the dark skies are closing in so it’s unlikely the rain will hold off for long.

Play at Headingley due to get underway at 4.45pm

Saturday 8 July 2023 16:41 , Sonia Twigg

England are in their whites and out on the corner of the field.

A surprising number of people have stuck it out this long.

And there’s other positive news for England that Ollie Robinson has been warming up on one of the side strips and the ball has been moving.

Play at Headingley due to get underway at 4.45pm

Saturday 8 July 2023 16:36 , Sonia Twigg

There has been no announcement, but the covers have just gone back onto the pitch.

No umbrellas in the crowd, but a few boos as the covers were wheeled back on.

It’s just a waiting game now, that has been going on all day.

The covers have just been wheeled back off to cheers.

This cat and mouse game could keep going and the sky over the rugby ground is getting darker.

Play at Headingley due to get underway at 4.45pm

Saturday 8 July 2023 16:26 , Sonia Twigg

The players are out on the field. There’s a football being kicked around by both sides.

Mark Wood is warming up his bowling with a strap on his right knee, while Ben Duckett and Joe Root are doing some slip catching practice.

It looks like the game will get underway, but there is more rain around.

Start of play scheduled for 4.45pm

Saturday 8 July 2023 16:12 , Sonia Twigg

Pending no further rain, play will finally get under way at 4.45pm.

The pitch inspection took place early and the outcome has been greeted by cheers from everyone who has remained at Headingley so far.

There are 34 overs due to be bowled today, assuming it can get underway at time.

Rain delays continue on day three at Headingley

Saturday 8 July 2023 16:09 , Sonia Twigg

So the umpires have made their out onto the field and there hasn’t been any rain for a while now.

But the clouds in the distance are getting darker.

We should be getting an outcome from the pitch inspection soon.

Rain delays continue on day three at Headingley

Saturday 8 July 2023 16:00 , Sonia Twigg

We’re close to the pitch inspection now, the covers are coming off and it is not raining.

But the ground will be very wet and the skies around are still dark so no guarantees that there won’t be more rain later.

Ashes latest

Saturday 8 July 2023 15:45 , Karl Matchett

Cricket Australia has been forced into a bizarre defence of Alex Carey after rumours that the wicketkeeper had breached ‘the spirit of cutting’ by failing to pay for a haircut.

Carey became public enemy number one among England fans at Lord’s last week when he controversially stumped Jonny Bairstow during the fifth-day run chase.

The dismissal was perfectly legal under the laws of the game, but England believe it was contrary to the unwritten ‘spirit of the game’ and Carey’s actions have divided opinion in the cricket world.

In a curious development during this week’s third Test at Headingley, former England captain Sir Alastair Cook told listeners on BBC’s Test Match Special that Carey had visited a barber in Leeds and been unable to to pay the bill after being told it was cash only.

Close shave for Alex Carey as Australia bat away bizarre haircut accusation

Rain delays continue on day three at Headingley

Saturday 8 July 2023 15:42 , Sonia Twigg

Assuming there is no further rain, a pitch inspection has been scheduled for 4.15pm.

Some of the covers are being pulled off, but there is more rain in the forecast, and it will take a long time to get the ground ready for cricket.

Rain delays threaten day three washout at Headingley

Saturday 8 July 2023 15:35 , Sonia Twigg

The pitch inspection at 3.45 is looking like the game will be called.

There is no urgency out on the middle from the groundstaff, despite the slightly brighter skies at the moment.

Ashes latest: No play due to rain

Saturday 8 July 2023 15:35 , Karl Matchett

England’s hunt for Australian wickets was halted by the weather at Headingley, with the threat of a washout on day three of the third Ashes Test.

Morning showers on Saturday meant no play was possible before lunch, which was brought forward to 12.30pm, and the afternoon session was set to go the same way with the covers still out at 2.30pm.

The match remains poised on a knife edge, with the tourists 142 runs ahead after being reduced to 116 for four in their second innings.

Travis Head and day-one centurion Mitch Marsh were the not out batters for Australia, who are already 2-0 up in the series after victories at Edgbaston and Lord’s and can claim the urn with a win on Yorkshire territory.

The break in play could help ease some of England’s ailments, with Ollie Robinson yet to bowl since suffering back spasms on the first day and captain Ben Stokes nursing a selection of injuries and niggles.

Rain threatens to wash out day three at Headingley

Saturday 8 July 2023 15:20 , Sonia Twigg

Unfortunately, despite the optimism, the drizzle has started again.

A few more fans are packing up and heading home.

But there’s another debate question: If you had to only have one piece of cutlery, between a knife, fork and spoon, which would you pick?

Rain delays continue on day three at Headingley

Saturday 8 July 2023 15:11 , Sonia Twigg

The press box has descended into chaos slightly as the rain delay continues.

It has been a long day without any cricket at all.

But the conversation has shifted to favourite crisps, brand and flavour, so feel free to indulge on that debate wherever you are.

Rain delays continue on day three at Headingley

Saturday 8 July 2023 15:01 , Sonia Twigg

There is a small glimmer of hope for play at Headingley.

A pitch inspection has been scheduled for 3.45, although that could be put under threat if there is any more rain before then.

There are a few fans still clinging on here, but it’s been a miserable day so far.

Rain delays threaten day three washout at Headingley

Saturday 8 July 2023 14:49 , Sonia Twigg

Tea will be moved forward to 3.10, from its usual time of 3.40.

The ground staff are back to working on the covers, but there has been a lot of rain around today and it still feels unlikely that the game will get underway.

Rain delays threaten to prevent any play on day three at Headingley

Saturday 8 July 2023 14:37 , Sonia Twigg

It’s still bleak in this corner of Leeds, but there is currently no rain...although there are no moppers or groundstaff out on the field either.

It’s starting to feel like we’re entering washout territory.

Rain delays could mean day three is washed out

Saturday 8 July 2023 14:20 , Sonia Twigg

There are no good updates to bring you from Headingley unfortunately, it’s still raining.

But here’s a photo of a policeman playing a pull shot to keep you entertained for a bit.

Rain delays continue after lunch at Headingley

Saturday 8 July 2023 14:06 , Sonia Twigg

Here are some more photos from around Headingley:

Rain delays continue after lunch at Headingley

Saturday 8 July 2023 13:55 , Sonia Twigg

Here are some shots of fans playing cricket around the ground:

Rain delays continue after lunch at Headingley

Saturday 8 July 2023 13:50 , Sonia Twigg

There are people still here but I’m not sure how much longer they’ll hold out for play here.

It’s drizzling, but consistently, and there aren’t exactly bright skies around.

Some people have kept themselves entertained however by playing cricket in the concourse area around the ground. Stay tuned for some snaps.

Rain delays continue after lunch at Headingley

Saturday 8 July 2023 13:40 , Sonia Twigg

Even the groundstaff have left the field now as the rain continues.

There are just two stewards out in the middle under umbrellas and some sandbags on a trolley.

Rain delays continue after lunch at Headingley

Saturday 8 July 2023 13:30 , Sonia Twigg

The covers are slowly being peeled off for a second time here, with everyone in the ground hoping the rain can stay away at least to get underway.

Rain delays continue after lunch at Headingley

Saturday 8 July 2023 13:21 , Sonia Twigg

It’s not a good update I’m afraid, the covers are still on and while there aren’t many umbrellas up it’s wet out there.

Rain delays continue after lunch

Saturday 8 July 2023 13:10 , Sonia Twigg

The lunch break was due to end at 1.10pm, but there’s no let up in sight.

The rain is getting heavier and more covers are coming back on.

It’s a bit bleak in this part of Leeds.

Rain delays start at Headingley

Saturday 8 July 2023 12:57 , Sonia Twigg

For a brief window it looked as if play might be imminent, there was just the main covers on and the players were warming up.

But unfortunately the rain has just started to fall again, the covers are coming back on and the umbrellas in the stands are going up.

It’s still bright but it had looked like a 1.30 restart before the latest shower.

England and Australia frustrated as rain washes out third morning at Headingley

Saturday 8 July 2023 12:47 , Karl Matchett

England’s hunt for Australian wickets was halted by the weather at Headingley, with the third morning of the third Ashes Test washed out.

Morning showers on Saturday meant no play was possible before lunch, which was brought forward to 12.30pm as ground staff began the cleaning up operation.

The match is poised on a knife edge, with the tourists 142 runs ahead after being reduced to 116 for four in their second innings.

Travis Head and day-one centurion Mitch Marsh were the not out batters for Australia, who are already 2-0 up in the series after victories at Edgbaston and Lord’s and can claim the urn with a win on Yorkshire territory.

The break in play could help ease some of England’s ailments, with Ollie Robinson yet to bowl since suffering back spasms on the first day and captain Ben Stokes nursing a selection of injuries and niggles.

England and Australia frustrated as rain washes out third morning at Headingley

Rain delays start until after Lunch at Headingley

Saturday 8 July 2023 12:20 , Sonia Twigg

The covers remain unmoved, although the mopper is working its way down to try and soak up all the excess water.

The players have had crosswords printed out, and the clouds in the distance are unfortunately getting darker.

Hopefully play will get underway in the afternoon, but it might be time to cross some fingers.

Rain delays start at Headingley

Saturday 8 July 2023 12:10 , Sonia Twigg

Unfortunately this has been the picture for most of the morning.

Rain delays start at Headingley

Saturday 8 July 2023 11:58 , Sonia Twigg

There is some light at the end of the tunnel, the rain has stopped, the umbrellas have been put away.

The covers are being lifted and poked, but even the ones far away from the wicket have yet to come off.

The two mop rollers are still going up and down.

Rain delays start at Headingley

Saturday 8 July 2023 11:45 , Sonia Twigg

The mop-rollers are out and they’re trying to lift some over the covers on the far corners of the square, but there’s a lot of settled water here and the skies in the distance are getting greyer.

Former cricketer and pundit David Lloyd has just been learning about park run. At Edgbaston during the rain delay he went around asking people which were their favourite bands from Birmingham.

Rain delays can be interesting in cricket.

Rain update: Lunch brought forward

Saturday 8 July 2023 11:31 , Sonia Twigg

Unfortunately it might not be the news anyone was hoping for, but lunch will be taken at 12.30 to 1.10pm.

It will also take up to 90 minutes to clear up the ground once the rain has stopped, whihc is now has but there are still dark clouds around.

Rain updates

Saturday 8 July 2023 11:22 , Sonia Twigg

The rain has stopped, but it will take a long time for all of the covers to come off and a pitch inspection to take place.

Play is a long way away and there’s no guarantees the rain won’t start again.

Rain delays start of play

Saturday 8 July 2023 11:09 , Sonia Twigg

The rain has been pretty relentless in Leeds for the last half an hour, but the hope is resting on the brighter skies behind the Rugby Stand end.

Rain delays imminent

Saturday 8 July 2023 10:56 , Sonia Twigg

We’re just minutes away from the start of play, but all the covers are out and while the lack of umbrellas suggest the rain has stopped, the ground is wet and the mopping up is underway.

Australia to resume on116 for four

Saturday 8 July 2023 10:45 , Sonia Twigg

There is a little bit of rain around and it remains to be seen if we will get underway on time.

But when play does start, breaking this partnership is going to be very important for England, and I’ll keep you updated throughout the day on all the cricket and weather.

Australia to resume on 116 for four

Saturday 8 July 2023 10:30 , Sonia Twigg

Despite Ben Stokes’ heroics with the back to drag England closer than admittedly they had any right to be to Australia’s first innings total, Moeen Ali said that the hosts cannot always rely on their captain.

Stokes hit 80, batting mostly with the tail to take England to within 26 runs of Australia’s total, and guided his side from 68 for four to 237 all out.

England cannot rely on Stokes all the time claims Moeen Ali

Australia to resume on 116 for four

Saturday 8 July 2023 10:15 , Sonia Twigg

For those of you just gearing up the start of the weekend and with the Ashes not starting until 11, here is a report from the state of play yesterday as England fought back in the evening session.

Late wickets for England reignite hopes of another Headingley miracle

Australia will resume on 116 for four

Saturday 8 July 2023 09:45 , Sonia Twigg

England will have to hope that the errors that have crept into their performances will not hamper them on what could be a pivotal day in the Test and the Ashes series at Headingley.

The equation is simple, the hosts have to win (or draw, although there has not been a game without a result in the Bazball era) to prevent Australia winning a first Ashes series in England for 22 years.

In the field on the first day, it did not go to plan for Ben Stokes’ side. There were four dropped catches, including some that proved costly, when Mitchell Marsh went on to make a run-a-ball 118.

He will be at the crease when Australia resume on the third day 116 for four, but England will be hoping their pace attack, led by the fiery Mark Wood, can make some early inroads.

Both sides will be hoping the weather holds off, with storms forecast in the area.

Good morning

Saturday 8 July 2023 09:30 , Sonia Twigg

England claimed three crucial wickets in the evening session of the second day, including Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne to leave the game poised ahead of the third day of the third Ashes Test

There are some storms forecast, that if they hit Headingley could cause problems for both sides and hold up the game, although a result is still likely even with limited play on Saturday, but Australia cricket will start on 116 for four with a lead of 142.

England’s problems rest in their bowling attack, bolstered by the addition of an extra seamer, they were dealt a blow when Ollie Robinson, who has bowled well throughout the series, went off on the first day with a back spasm.

He has not bowled in the second innings so far and appeared in discomfort while he was batting, and Ben Stokes is also not expected to be fit enough to bowl. Australia’s hopes rest on England mistakes, after four drops on the opening day, and the fact that Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh will start the day at the crease.

Follow all the live action below from Headingley as England face Australia: