Oz press blames 'new-fashioned English fair play' for forcing early end to fourth day's play at Old Trafford

A new example of 'English fair play' came out as the England cricket team first went about bowling its overs slowly and then did the best to convince umpires to stop play due to bad light, refusing to bowl spin at both ends.

According to The Daily Telegraph, having sacrificed wickets in the chase for quick runs, Australia was 7-172 when play was abandoned early on the fourth day of the third Test, holding an overall lead of 331.

Captain Michael Clarke was 30 and Ryan Harris yet to score, when they were forced from the field in dull, but dry conditions, the report said.

Resuming on the fourth day at 7-294, the last three England wickets cost a further 74 runs with Prior making a stubborn 30 and later Warner's dismissal sparked a batting collapse for Australia, as the batsmen sacrificed their wickets in their effort to build upon the first innings lead of 159 achieved when they dismissed England for 368, the report added.

After a strong batting performance, Australia owed its dominant position to some stouthearted bowling by the pace men as Peter Siddle (4-63), Mitchell Starc (3-76) and Ryan Harris (2-82) all worked hard, the report further said.