The crucial fourth Test between England and India at Old Trafford, set to begin on Wednesday, July 23, faces a significant threat from the famously unpredictable Manchester weather.
With the series finely poised at 2-1 in England's favour, both teams and anxious fans will be keeping a close eye on the skies, as forecasts suggest rain could disrupt play throughout the five days.
The meteorological outlook for the opening days appears particularly concerning.
Wednesday, July 23, is expected to be cloudy with a significant chance of light rain, especially during the morning and second session.
Day two also looks volatile, with a higher chance of showers, particularly in the afternoon, potentially delaying the start of play.
These conditions could significantly impact the game's flow and dynamics.
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A damp outfield and a noticeably green pitch have already been observed at Old Trafford, with India's preparations reportedly affected by recent downpours.
Overcast conditions and moisture in the air generally favour seam and swing bowlers, potentially making the early exchanges a tough challenge for batters, however, prolonged rain delays can also flatten pitches and make scoring difficult as the ground dries out unevenly.
For England, who've announced just one change to their XI, and India, battling their own injury concerns, tactical decisions will be critical.
Captains Ben Stokes and Shubman Gill will need to weigh the toss carefully, considering how the pitch might change under varying weather conditions and the potential for reduced playing time.
The cricketing world will be hoping for as much action as possible, but for now, the Manchester clouds cast a long shadow over this eagerly anticipated encounter.