Weather prepares to bat for England

However, the weathermen insisted that accurately forecasting this weekend's weather remained difficult because of tropical storms in the Atlantic, and that different weather models offered conflicting results.

"Although certain models have predicted a dry Saturday afternoon, we remain confident that prolonged periods of rain are more likely," a Met Office spokesman said. "There is a high possibility of showers on Sunday before a big improvement on Monday. Generally speaking, there should be long breaks in play due to rain." Thursday should not be affected but by Friday the chances of rain increases which would enhance England's cause, as they just need a draw at the Oval to win the Ashes.