To me it is inconceivable. The headline in the Telegraph "Pray for rain because dreams can turn to Ashes" is absolutely absurd.

I cannot imagine why any national team would actually publicly wish for the weather to be their salvation, as opposed to actually winning a game on merit. Even if it is against Australia. In fact because it is against Australia we damn well need to beat them fair and square or I say it doesn't count.

The Aussies can be highly critical of others sporting 'acheivements' at times and I don't believe for a minute they would ever want precipiation to precipitate a favourable result for them. Oh no, they'd want to win on their own terms.

And, if rain does eventually stop play, do you think they'll let England forget? "Ah mate, you didn't really win, the bloody pommy weather just came to your rescue as we were givin' you a walloping"

Damn right. It's just not cricket.