Prior says England must not rely on weather to retain Ashes with third Test draw

England wicketkeeper Matt Prior relying on the Manchester weather to retain the Ashes would be dangerous for the hosts, as Australia, leading by 331 are expected to declare on 172-7 overnight, because Sunday's play was curtailed by rain.

According to the BBC, with more rain forecast for much of Monday, England appear likely to salvage the draw which would give them an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series with two Tests to play.

However, Prior said England would be more than happy with a washout on Monday, while adding that forecasts in England were pretty good at being wrong and therefore it would be dangerous to rely on rain going into the last day.

The wicketkeeper said that the team had to prepare as if they were going to play a full day's Test cricket.

If the rain stays away, England could be required to bat for as many as 98 overs to preserve their 2-0 lead in the series, but Prior is undaunted by the prospect, the report said.