Indian fans hoping for some help from the weather on the final day of the fourth Test may be left disappointed. This is crucial because India are still 137 runs behind despite a strong fightback on Day 4. After losing Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan for ducks in the very first over of their second innings, captain Shubman Gill (78) and KL Rahul (87) steadied the ship with a brilliant 174-run partnership.
However, Indian fans will still hope for a miracle, with rain being their last line of defence. But if India fail to bat through the entire day, even the weather gods won’t be able to rescue them from this ditch. The rain is likely to have no impact on the game on Day 5. But the conditions will be slightly overcast.
Will rain impact play on Day 5?
According to Accuweather, there is only a 25% chance of rain on Sunday, which means the weather is likely to stay clear in Manchester. The hourly forecast is also looking good for cricket as the chances of precipitation are 7% at the scheduled start at 10 AM. It is likely to stay the same throughout the day.
Meanwhile, England captain Ben Stokes hammered a sensational 141 to take his team to a massive 669 all out. He was helped by Joe Root (150), Ben Duckett (94), Zak Crawley (84), Ollie Pope (71), and Brydon Carse (47) in the process. India were 311 runs behind when they started their second innings.
After two early blows, the visitors managed to build a much-needed partnership and reduce the deficit. Even so, the Shubman Gill-led side still has a mountain to climb on the final day, with only eight wickets remaining.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsEngland now have a huge upper hand in the match, and India will need another heroic effort to save it. India will hope to bat all day long on the final day, while England will back themselves to make the breakthrough and push for victory.