Rain could once again disrupt play on Day 2 of the 5th Test between India and England at The Oval, impacting India’s fight for survival in the series.
Day 1: A Wet and Tricky Start
Day one of the final Test at The Oval saw significant interruptions due to rain, limiting play to just 64 overs. Overcast conditions persisted throughout Thursday, making it tough for the Indian batsmen. Having lost their fifth consecutive toss, India struggled against England’s formidable pace attack.
The visitors managed to cross 200 by stumps but lost six crucial top-order wickets in the process. Extended play was required just to get those overs in after initial delays.
Day 2 Weather Watch: Rain Threat Looms
Cricket fans hoping for clear skies might be disappointed, as the UK Met Office predicts a significant chance of rain on Day 2. The highest probability of showers is expected between 1 PM and 3 PM local time (5:30 PM to 7:30 PM IST).
Temperatures are forecast to remain steady, hovering around 19-20°C throughout the day. While the morning might offer some reprieve with a 20-40% chance of rain, the afternoon is where the most severe disruptions are likely.
Chances of rain remain elevated at 50-60% into the late afternoon before gradually decreasing towards the evening. This unpredictable weather could once again dictate the pace of play.
Key Player Changes for Both Sides
Both teams have made significant changes for this pivotal final Test. India brought in Prasidh Krishna, Dhruv Jurel, Akash Deep, and Karun Nair. This means Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, Anshul Kamboj, and Shardul Thakur are missing from the lineup.
For England, captain Ben Stokes is out injured. They also rested key pacers Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse, along with Liam Dawson. Taking their spots are Jacob Bethell, Josh Tongue, Jamie Overton, and Gus Atkinson, with Ollie Pope stepping up to captain the side.
India’s Battle for Survival
Trailing 2-1 in the series, India is desperate for a win at The Oval to level the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Overcast conditions and a green-top pitch have clearly favored England’s pacers, making batting incredibly challenging for the visitors.
Karun Nair, batting on 52, along with Washington Sundar, will be crucial. They’ll need to forge a strong partnership to help India post a respectable total on Day 2 and give their bowlers something to defend.
- Rain is highly likely to impact play on Day 2, especially between 1 PM and 3 PM local time.
- India struggled on Day 1 against England’s pace attack, losing six wickets.
- Both teams have made several changes to their playing XI for the final Test.
- Karun Nair and Washington Sundar are key to India’s fight for a fighting total.
The weather could yet again play a crucial role in deciding the momentum of this high-stakes final Test as both teams battle for supremacy.
