ASHES PHOTOS: Bad light, rain play spoilsport on Day 4

The fourth day of the third Ashes Test was marred with controversy again when the umpires took the players off the field for bad light at Old Trafford on Sunday.

-Scorecard

Australia were 172 for seven in their second innings -- a lead of 331 runs -- when umpires Marais Erasmus and Tony Hill called a halt.

Subsequent rain prevented the match resuming and play was officially abandoned.

At the interval, Australia were 137 for five in their second innings with four sessions remaining. Captain Michael Clarke, who scored 187 out of his team's 527 for seven declared in the first innings, was unbeaten on 14.

At lunch, Australia were 24 for one in their second innings, an overall lead of 183, with five sessions remaining. England lead 2-0 in the five-match series.

After England had resumed on 294 for seven, Stuart Broad ensured the home side avoided the follow-on by taking three boundaries off a Ryan Harris over.

The last four, crashed through extra-over with a full swing of the bat, also brought up the 50 partnership with Matt Prior.

Australia, needing quick runs to give themselves time to bowl out England for a second time, promoted Warner from number six to opener to partner fellow left-hander Chris Rogers.