ENG vs IND: Will Rain Wash Away India’s Chances on Day 5 of Headingley Test? Latest Leeds Weather Report

After four days of hard-fought, see-saw cricket, the first Test of the ongoing five-match series between India and England at Headingley is poised on a knife’s edge. As Day 5 dawns, it is not just the players but the weather that might have the final say in what has already been a fascinating contest between two high-quality sides.

India, led by Shubman Gill, have put themselves in a winning position after centuries from KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant in the second innings helped set England a daunting target of 371. The Indian bowlers bowled six overs before stumps and kept England to 21 without loss.

With India just ten wickets away from their first Test win at Headingley since 2002, excitement is sky-high. But as history beckons, so does a different kind of obstacle, one from above.

Also read: IND vs ENG: 'It is hard for us to understand...' KL Rahul on Rishabh Pant's freak hundred

Cloudy Skies, Showers Predicted on Final Day

Weather forecasts for Leeds on Day 5 are far from encouraging. According to AccuWeather, there are 67 per cent chances of rain. Temperatures will hover around 15 degree Celcius to 20 degree Celcius, and heavy cloud cover is expected to dominate the skies.

The morning session which will start at 11 AM in England has around 40 per cent chances of rain. 

While the forecast shows some improvement as the day progresses, intermittent showers are predicted through the afternoon, especially around 3 to 4 PM.

The chances of rain dip slightly in the evening. But with strong winds also in the mix, batting may not be easy, something India’s bowlers will look to exploit.

India, England Chasing History at Headingley 

For the Shubman Gill-led India, the equation is simple: take ten wickets before rain takes away too much time. Securing their first Test win at Headingley in 23 years would be a monumental achievement. Yet the luxury of time is shrinking. With the day susceptible to rain interruptions, the visitors know they must strike early. 

Ben Stokes and Co. need to pull off a record run-chase in the five-day Test cricket history at Headingley. The highest successful chase at this ground in a five-day Test match as of now is 359, which was also achieved by England against Australia in 2019.

Also read: IND vs ENG: India clear favorite heading into Day Five of Leeds Test, says Stuart Broad