Can India Overcome Rain to Level the Series at Edgbaston?
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Synopsis
As India and England prepare for a thrilling showdown on the final day of the second Test at Edgbaston, rain threatens to impact the match. With India needing to secure a win to level the series, every moment counts. Will the weather play a crucial role in deciding the fate of this gripping contest?
Key Takeaways
- India holds a significant lead with England needing to chase 536 runs.
- Weather conditions may impact the match, particularly in the morning.
- Shubman Gill has been a standout performer with a total of 430 runs.
- Early wickets by Indian bowlers have given them an edge in the match.
- Final day play could be crucial for India's chances to level the series.
Birmingham, July 6 (NationPress) As the crucial fifth day of the second Test between India and England unfolds at Edgbaston, morning rain has graced Birmingham mere hours before play is set to commence on Sunday.
With India striving to equalize the series, the rain presents a significant hurdle to their aspirations. The Indian bowlers have unsettled England’s top order, leaving the home team with a daunting task on this decisive day.
Entering Day 5, India holds a strong position, with England needing 536 runs to overcome a challenging target of 608 runs in Birmingham.
According to BBC Weather, a 90 percent probability of rain is expected at 9 am (local time) – an hour prior to the scheduled start of play at Edgbaston. This implies that groundstaff will be engaged in a busy morning to facilitate as much play as possible throughout the day.
The risk of rain diminishes to 65 percent by 10 am and continues to decline to 45 percent and below in the subsequent hours. This indicates a potentially damp start to the day, where each lost over could prove detrimental to India while benefiting the hosts, inching them closer to a draw.
However, around 2 pm, the likelihood of rain drops to just 20 percent, suggesting that the final four hours of play may proceed uninterrupted. This time frame could grant India a genuine chance to pursue a remarkable late victory – assuming they can fit in sufficient overs.
In the concluding session of Day 4, Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep made significant strides into England’s batting order, taking down openers Zak Crawley (0) and Ben Duckett (25), followed by the dismissal of the world's top-ranked Test batter, Joe Root, within the first 11 overs of the innings. This fiery spell firmly established India’s control as they aim to level the series.
Earlier that day, India’s captain, Shubman Gill, once again showcased his prowess, scoring an impressive 161 runs off 162 balls in the second innings. The 25-year-old’s fluent performance brought his match total to an astonishing 430 runs - following his 269 in the first innings - marking it as the second-highest run tally in a single Test match, just behind Graham Gooch’s 456 against India in 1990.
Point of View
It's evident that the upcoming day could turn the tide for India in this Test series. The combination of strategic play and weather conditions will be crucial in determining the outcome. Regardless of the challenges, the determination shown by both teams reflects the spirit of cricket. We remain committed to delivering comprehensive coverage of this high-stakes match.
NationPress
17/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weather forecast for Day 5 at Edgbaston?
The weather forecast predicts a 90% chance of rain at 9 am, which gradually reduces to 20% by 2 pm. This suggests that while the start may be affected, the latter part of the day could see uninterrupted play.
How many runs does England need to win?
England needs 536 runs to win the match, chasing a target of 608 runs set by India.
Who is leading the scoring for India?
India's captain, Shubman Gill, is leading with an impressive 161 runs in the second innings, contributing to a total of 430 runs in the match.
What’s at stake for India on Day 5?
India aims to level the series with a win on this final day, making every over critical in their pursuit.
How has the Indian bowling attack performed?
The Indian pacers have effectively dismantled England's top order, claiming crucial wickets early in the innings, which places them in a dominant position.
