Is Day Five Play of the 2nd Test Delayed by Rain at Edgbaston?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India needs seven wickets to level the series.
- Shubman Gill's remarkable scores of 269 and 161 are historic.
- The match is heavily impacted by weather conditions.
- England faces a challenging target of 608 runs.
- Rain delays can change the dynamics of a Test match.
Birmingham, July 6 (NationPress) The commencement of the fifth day in the second Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test between India and England has been postponed due to heavy rainfall at Edgbaston on Sunday. India requires seven wickets on the last day of the match to equalize the five-match series at 1-1.
The UK Met Office, the national weather forecasting service, had foreseen showers for Sunday, leading to the pitch and playing square being covered when the broadcast images first aired. After a brief period, the rain ceased, the covers were removed, and the sun briefly appeared before retreating behind ominous clouds.
However, around 3 PM India time, the rain intensified significantly at the venue, turning the outfield into what resembled a swimming pool, with puddles accumulating near the covers. The weather department has indicated an improved forecast later in the day, but it remains uncertain if India will have sufficient time to secure the remaining seven wickets to achieve their maiden Test victory in Birmingham.
If the first session is completely washed out, India will lose the usual 90 overs needed to attempt a victory. On day four, Indian captain Shubman Gill followed up his career-best first innings score of 269 with an impressive 161, leading India to declare at 427/6. Meanwhile, Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj made significant contributions with the new ball, putting England in a precarious position.
Gill's total of 430 runs in the match is the second highest in a Test, just behind Graham Gooch's 456 runs against India in 1990. He also made history by becoming the first batter to score both 200 and 150 in the same Test match. The declaration set England a formidable target of 608 runs, and they ended the last session at 72/3, with Ollie Pope not out on 24 and Harry Brook on 15.
With 536 runs still needed and rain affecting the timely start of day five, it will be intriguing to see if England will aim for a draw or maintain their aggressive 'Bazball' style. The last Test match that England drew was during the 2023 Ashes due to rain.