When Bopara was trapped in front by spinner Danny Briggs and Foster succumbed to Sean Ervine, Essex were firmly in the mire but were saved by the arrival of the rain.

BBC: Rose Bowl rain helps Essex draw with Hampshire

For Mrs Gandhi, if she becomes prime minister, that will mean coming down to earth but somehow remaining above the mire.

ECONOMIST: Can the second Mrs Gandhi govern India?

One man who might have helped Australia out of the mire was Mike Hussey but he was unluckily given out lbw when one from Gul appeared to be doing too much and heading down the leg-side.

BBC: Pakistan dominate as Australia collapse at Headingley