 "There's a chance of rain before the start of play on Day 5, but it's going be clear up as the day goes on. Image: Reuters")
Rain could play a big role on Day 5 of the second Test between India and England at Edgbaston, with India just seven wickets away from a series-levelling win. According to AccuWeather, it’s a cloudy and breezy morning in Birmingham with some passing showers expected before the start of play.
Will rain deny India a chance to secure a famous win?
Rain chances are around 50–55% till 11 AM (local time), so there might be a delayed start on the final day. However, the good news is that conditions are expected to improve in the afternoon as the forecast shows rain chances drop to just 20% from 2 PM (local time).
For India, every over lost will make it harder for them to bowl England out. But the home side will hope for weather interruptions to avoid a loss in the match as they are still 536 runs behind and already three wickets down. Meanwhile, the weather could actually work in India’s favour if the skies stay overcast, as such conditions are likely to help the bowlers get some movement.
What happened on Day 4?
Akash Deep struck twice and Mohammed Siraj once as India made early inroads against England who reached 72 for three in pursuit of a mammoth 608-run target, at the end of play on Day Four in the second Test here on Saturday.
England need another 536 runs on the final day to maintain their 1-0 lead in the five-Test series for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
Akash Deep accounted for Ben Duckett (25) and Joe Root (6) after Siraj removed Zak Crawley (0) in the second over.
Earlier in the final session, India declared at 427 for six with Shubman Gill hitting a consecutive second double ton (161) and KL Rahul (55), Rishabh Pant (65) and Ravindra Jadeja (69 not out) hitting their respective fifties.
(With agency inputs)