India vs England, Day 5 Live Updates – 4th Test, Manchester

Rain remains a significant factor for India’s hopes on Day 5 in Manchester, but the most recent forecasts suggest its impact may be less dramatic than earlier feared.

• Morning Disruptions Expected: The UK Met Office and cricket outlets indicate steady rain is most likely in the early morning, which could initially delay the start of play at Old Trafford. However, as the morning progresses, the expectation is for the rain to ease, with conditions gradually improving and more playing time possible as the day goes on.

• Intermittent Showers/Light Rain: Forecasts specifically mention “intermittent” or “light” rain rather than prolonged heavy showers. AccuWeather projects only a 25% overall chance of precipitation through the day, with as little as 7% chance at the scheduled start and similarly low odds later.

• Net Effect on India’s Chances: If the rain delays the start for an hour or two, some overs may be lost, directly benefiting India because their path to saving the match (a draw) becomes more realistic with each lost over.

• Otherwise, Play Likely to Resume: The risk is that after any early delay, the weather is likely to improve. If conditions clear up and play continues with only minor interruptions, England will still have ample time to pursue the 8 wickets they need. The pitch remains challenging and there is no indication Day 5 will be lost entirely to weather.

Current Situation:

• Match: England vs India, 4th Test, Day 5, Old Trafford, Manchester

• At Stumps, Day 4: India 178/2, chasing 311, trail by 133 runs with 8 wickets in hand

• Key Not Out Batsmen: KL Rahul (87*), Shubman Gill (78*)

• England’s Position: Need 8 wickets for victory; India must bat out the day or chase the target for a chance at a Test draw or miracle win.

Latest On The Field

• India’s Fightback: After losing Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan for ducks in a dramatic first over by Chris Woakes, India recovered thanks to a marathon unbeaten partnership by KL Rahul and Shubman Gill. Their 178-run stand has brought India a glimmer of hope to either save the match or potentially defy England’s huge first-innings total of 669.

• Rishabh Pant Update: Despite a fractured foot, Pant is set to bat if required. His aggressive approach could be a game-changer if India get close or ahead.

Weather & Conditions

• Rain Threat: Persistent morning showers forecast, especially during the early hours. Rain probabilities are high (70–90%) from 10 AM to noon local time (3:30–5:30 PM IST), but conditions may improve with possible sunny intervals after that.

• Implications: Rain delays favor an Indian escape with a draw, while any interruptions reduce England’s time to bowl India out.

What’s At Stake

• Series: England leads 2–1. An England win here clinches the series; a draw keeps the contest alive for the final Test at The Oval.

• Key Factors Going Forward:

  • Gill & Rahul’s Resilience: The early session will be crucial; if they survive against a 63-overs-old ball, England will start feeling the pressure.

  • Second New Ball: England will get it in 17 overs, which could prove decisive.

  • Pitch: Some turn and uneven bounce developing, but not a “minefield.” Batters have a fighting chance if focused.

Expert Views

• Former cricketers Michael Vaughan (England) and Dinesh Karthik (India) both believe England are slight favorites if a full day’s play is possible, but a dramatic draw remains within reach for India due to their newfound grit—and the weather.

Summary Table

Stay tuned for ball-by-ball coverage as play resumes and the weather unfolds at Old Trafford. The next hour will set the tone—either for a thrilling English win, a valiant Indian draw, or a late twist in a riveting Test series.