Pure white stretching so far into the distance that its horizon revealed a faint curve of the Earth.

NEWYORKER: Youth in Revolt

But just when Australia's two form batsmen looked to be getting them back into the contest, Swann hit back, as a quicker delivery drew a faint edge from Hussey's bat and Prior took the catch behind the stumps.

BBC: Ashes: Chris Tremlett puts England in command

Perhaps in the faint recollection that his Christian Democratic predecessor as chancellor, Helmut Kohl, also ran into a streak of bad election results after coming to power in 1982, yet went on to keep office for a record 16 years.

ECONOMIST: Schr?der thumped