ASHES PHOTOS: England retain urn after rain forces draw at Old Trafford

England retained the Ashes on Monday after rain forced a draw on the final day of the third Test against Australia at Old Trafford.

The holders keep the urn in the event of a drawn series and England lead Australia 2-0 with two matches left to play.

 - Scorecard

Australia declared on 172 for seven in their second innings on Monday, setting England 332 to win.

The start of play was delayed until 1030 GMT because of a wet outfield. Early rain cleared but heavy clouds still hung over Old Trafford with weather forecasts predicting further showers.

Ryan Harris then struck twice to ensure the visitors a perfect start with the ball.

Harris first had England captain Alastair Cook out leg before even before the latter could open his account.

Jonathan Trott didn't last long either. 

Having failed in the first innings, Trott also came a cropper in the second making just 11. 

Trott survived a scare when Australia reviewed a not-out call for another Harris lbw shout, technology showing it was the umpire's call, but the tourists did not have to wait long before he edged the same bowler down the leg-side to wicketkeeper Brad Haddin.

The Decision Review System (DRS) helped Australia's cause considerably, after the visitors had been at the receiving end in the first two matches. 

While Cook reviewed his decision and lost, it was Kevin Pietersen's dismissal that yet again exposed the lacunae of the system.

Kevin Pietersen (8) was the victim of a poor decision. 

Umpire Tony Hill adjudged him caught behind off Peter Siddle, a decision that the batsman reviewed. 

However, with the replays being inconclusive Kumar Dharamsena decided not to overturn the on-field call. 

Pietersen, a centurion in the first innings, left the ground furious at the decision. 

However, Old Trafford's famously fickle weather always threatened to help England's cause.

Only three balls were possible between lunch and tea.

Joe Root was unbeaten on 13 from 57 balls as the young opener tried to leave every wide delivery he could. Ian Bell was four not out having been struck on the glove and seen the ball balloon over the slips just before a second rain break.

The umpires were eventually forced to call off play.