So extensive were the wet-season mudslides that in some years more mud and rock fell back into the canal than had been taken out in the first place.

ECONOMIST: The Panama Canal

The first Test, meanwhile, will take place at Brisbane's Gabba on Thursday, where wet conditions in the build-up have ensured low scores and plenty of results in early season domestic games.

BBC: Ashes: Mike Hussey primed for Gabba Test after century