After four days on a batter-friendly pitch at Old Trafford in Manchester, the fourth Test between India and England will head into the final day. Indian fans are hoping that rain plays a part in disrupting play on Day 5, giving their team a better chance to secure a draw, with only two outcomes remaining possible.
India trail 1-2 in the five-match Test series and must win or draw the fourth Test to keep their hopes alive before the final Test at The Oval. However, it won’t be easy, as the pitch is showing inconsistent bounce. Only two outcomes are possible: England seal a win or the penultimate Test match ends in a draw.
Day 5 Weather Forecast for India vs England 4th Test at Old Trafford
The weather in Manchester could play a crucial role on Day 5 (Sunday, July 27) at Old Trafford. India are hoping for favorable conditions to save the Test match.
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According to the UK Met Office, steady rain is expected through the morning around 11 AM, which could delay the start. However, the weather is predicted to clear by late morning, with light showers giving way to sunny intervals.
According to AccuWeather, the forecast is slightly more optimistic for play, predicting a 25% chance of rain and 67% cloud cover throughout the day, with temperatures around 19°C. Precipitation chances are as low as 7% at the 10 AM start time and remain low for the rest of the day.
India in Deep Trouble Early in Second Innings on Day 4
India were in deep trouble at the start of their second innings on Day 4, losing both openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan, for ducks in the very first over to Chris Woakes. At 0/2 in the first over, England seemed on course to clinch the series.
Skipper Shubman Gill and senior batter KL Rahul responded with tremendous composure. The pair added an unbeaten 174 runs for the third wicket – a record partnership after a team score of zero.
Rahul (87*) and Gill (78*) not only steadied the innings but also kept India’s hopes of saving the match alive heading into Day 5. They took India to 178/2 at stumps, still trailing by 133 runs but well-placed to push the match towards a draw.
India’s Batting Coach Provides Crucial Update on Rishabh Pant’s Availability for Day 5
Team India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has confirmed that Rishabh Pant will be available to bat on Day 5 of the Manchester Test against England. Pant had retired hurt on 37 in the first innings after a blow to his foot but returned later to score a half-century.
With India still under pressure before the final day, Pant’s presence could be vital as they look to draw. Addressing the media after stumps on Day 4, Kotak assured that Pant is expected to take the field if needed, stating, “Rishabh, I think he will bat tomorrow. Yes.”
India posted 358 runs in their first innings after being asked to bat first. England captain Ben Stokes secured five wickets. With England leading 2-1 in the five-match series, India must either win or draw this Test to stay in contention.
