As Day 5 of the second Test between England and India at Birmingham unfolds, all eyes are not just on the players but also on the skies. With the match delicately poised, weather could play a crucial role in determining the outcome.
India on brink of a famous win in Birmingham
India put themselves in a commanding position in the second Test against England at Edgbaston, setting a daunting target of 608 runs. A significant highlight was Shubman Gill’s exceptional performance, becoming the first player in Test history to record both a 250-plus and a 150-plus score in the same match.
India’s second innings saw a rapid 110-run partnership between Rishabh Pant and Gill, followed by a substantial 175-run stand between Gill and Ravindra Jadeja. India declared their innings at 427 for 6 on Day 4, an hour into the third session.
England’s chase began disastrously, with Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj causing early damage, reducing them to 72 for 3 by stumps. Zak Crawley fell for a duck, Ben Duckett was bowled by Akash Deep, and Joe Root was dismissed by Akash Deep after a couple of boundaries. Despite some close calls and missed opportunities, including India losing reviews, England’s Harry Brook and Pope remained unbeaten at the close of play. They face an uphill battle on the final day, needing 536 more runs with only seven wickets in hand.
Earlier in the match, England’s Brydon Carse troubled Indian batters with bounce and movement, taking the wicket of Karun Nair. However, Gill and Pant’s aggressive knocks, including Pant’s quick fifty and Gill’s historic century, put India in a dominant position. India’s batting prowess, marked by multiple century partnerships and individual milestones, ensured they amassed a massive lead, culminating in a declaration that left England with an immense task to save the match.
Also WATCH: Akash Deep cleans up Joe Root with a jaffa on Day 4 of ENG vs IND Edgbaston Test
ENG vs IND Edgbaston Test: Hourly Weather Forecast for Day 5 in Birmingham
| Time | Weather Icon | Temperature (°C) | Rain Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11:00 | ⛈️🌤️ Thunderstorm/Sun | 17 | 48% |
| 12:00 | 🌦️🌤️ Showers/Sun | 18 | 43% |
| 13:00 | 🌦️🌤️ Showers/Sun | 18 | 40% |
| 14:00 | ☁️ Cloudy | 19 | 26% |
| 15:00 | ☁️ Cloudy | 19 | 16% |
| 16:00 | ⛅ Partly Cloudy/Sun | 20 | 0% |
| 17:00 | ☁️ Cloudy | 19 | 0% |
| 18:00 | ⛅ Partly Cloudy/Sun | 19 | 0% |
| 19:00 | ⛅ Partly Cloudy/Sun | 18 | 0% |
Will rain play spoiler on Day 5 of Edgbaston Test?
Rain could cause interruptions during the morning session, potentially delaying the start or causing early stoppages. However, the outlook improves significantly as the day progresses, suggesting that a substantial portion of play should be possible in the afternoon and evening. The teams and fans will be hoping the weather clears quickly to allow for an exciting finish to the second Test.