Leading article: Look to the heavens

Rain maketh the crops and gardens to grow. It bringeth the parched places to life, bursting with hope and colour. It has magical effects on the blood-drained cheeks of anguished males (mostly), clinging to that narrow strip twixt triumph and disaster. Unsure whether it is our sporting destiny to be disappointed, our nation listens for the soft, sweet sound of rain on covers, and leaves votive offerings to the shallow depression and occluded front at the shrine of England's climate.