Rain to play the villain for India at Edgbaston? Know the chances here

Rain poses a significant threat to India’s prospects on Day 4 of the second Test against England at Edgbaston. With India leading by 343 runs and well-placed at 162/3 in their second innings, they are in a strong position to dictate the match. However, weather forecasts predict potential rain interruptions, especially around 3 pm, when chances of showers could reach up to 70% according to AccuWeather. Local forecasts, while less alarming, still estimate an 11% chance of rain during the 2-3 pm window.

Cloudy conditions and high humidity are expected throughout the day, which may benefit swing bowlers, making the first session vital for India to extend their lead. Despite the rain predictions not pointing to a full washout, even brief interruptions could disrupt India’s momentum and reduce the time available to bowl England out. With the pitch showing signs of variable bounce and seam movement, India’s bowlers would prefer uninterrupted sessions to exploit the conditions effectively. The overhead conditions, while helpful for bowlers, must be paired with sufficient playtime to force a result. Any prolonged rain delay could work in England’s favor by diminishing India's window to secure victory.

Siraj-Aakash camaraderie

After taking a six-wicket haul in the first innings of the second test against England, Indian seamer Mohammed Siraj said he would have given the ball to his bowling partner Akash Deep if he had the same number of wickets as Akash.

Deep finished the first innings with four wickets in 20 overs, conceded 88 runs at an economy of 4.40.

Mohammed Siraj grabbed six wickets as India bowled out England for 407 runs, taking a first-innings lead of 180 runs in the second test.

In a video posted by BCCI, Siraj said, "I would have given the ball to Aakash if I had the same number of wickets as Aakash. My first five-wicket haul was in Australia. It is a memory for me. I would have given the ball to Aakash. I even told Aakash to take out the remaining four wickets."

Siraj praised Deep for his brilliance in the first innings and said he was waiting for the opportunity.

"He was waiting for the opportunity. He has shown how hungry he is. To be honest, I enjoyed bowling with him. My aim was not to give runs from my end. I wanted to control myself and put pressure on the opposition," he added.

Siraj's spell, particularly with the second new ball, ensured India retained a strong hold on the game. He claimed six wickets, four of them from the final five in England's innings, including the wicket of England skipper Ben Stokes for a duck.

The action has bow resumed on Day 4 at Edgbaston. (With inputs from Agencies)