India, which had a tough outing on Day 2 (Thursday, July 24), will be hoping for more favorable conditions on Day 3 of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford in Manchester. According to BBC Weather, there is no forecast of rain for the day, unlike the rain interruptions that affected play on Thursday.
England took control of the match on Day 2 of the Test. They bowled India out for 358 in the first innings. Openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett gave England a solid start. Joe Root and Ollie Pope remained unbeaten at the crease, with England finishing with 225 runs for the loss of two wickets before stumps.
Day 3 Weather Forecast for India vs England 4th Test at Old Trafford
Rain brought a brief halt and forced an early lunch on the second day. However, the weather forecast for Day 3 of the fourth Test is clear. According to BBC Weather, no rain is expected in the Old Trafford area.
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Temperatures are set to stay below 20°C when play begins at 11 am local time (3:30 pm IST), with cloudy intervals and a light breeze throughout the day. The pitch is likely to offer some assistance to fast bowlers.
Notably, Day 3 has been favorable for pacers at Old Trafford. It has produced 28 wickets at an impressive average of 22.2 since 2012, making it the best day for seamers in a five-day Test at this venue.
India added just 94 Runs to their Overnight Score Before Being Bowled Out for 358
India managed to add only 94 runs to their overnight score of 264/4 and were bowled out for 358 on Day 2 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford. Rishabh Pant, who had retired hurt on 37 the previous day, returned to bat after Shardul Thakur’s dismissal for 41.
Pant showed resilience and brought up a crucial half-century before falling for 54 to Jofra Archer. Despite Pant’s gritty effort, India’s total was considered below par.
In response, England got off to a solid start with the bat. Openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley added a 166-run stand in just 32 overs. Crawley was dismissed for 84 by Ravindra Jadeja, while Duckett missed out on a century.
Debutant Anshul Kamboj removed Duckett for 94 off 100 balls, with substitute keeper Dhruv Jurel completing the catch. England ended the day at 225/2, firmly in control of the match.
Joe Root in Exceptional Form at Home Since 2022
Joe Root has been in exceptional form at home since 2022. He has scored over 500 runs in 10 innings played on the third day, averaging 86 with a strike rate of 74. With England aiming for a total beyond 500 in the first innings, a big knock from Root could be crucial.
On the other hand, Mohammed Siraj had a forgettable outing on Day 2. He conceded 58 runs in 10 overs as he struggled against openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett. With conditions expected to favor seamers, Siraj will be under pressure to step up and deliver a key spell for India.
