Rain Threat Looms Over India's Edgbaston Test Victory Bid Against England

Birmingham's weather on Sunday looms as a potential disruptor in India's quest to level the series 1-1 in the second Test against England at Edgbaston.

India currently holds a commanding position, largely thanks to captain Shubman Gill. Gill achieved a unique feat, becoming the first batsman in Test history to record scores of 250 and 150 in the same match. Furthermore, the combined efforts of Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep, with their impactful performances with the new ball, have significantly bolstered the tourists' push for a series-equalizing victory.

Gill's impressive 161 off 162 balls in the second innings followed his first-innings score of 267. He eventually declared India's second innings at 427-6 on the fourth day, setting England a daunting target of 608 runs to win the five-match series.

However, weather forecasts indicate potential morning disruptions. Overcast skies are expected, with light showers predicted between 9 am and 11 am. These interruptions could delay the start of play and potentially revitalize the pitch, offering seamers assistance due to lingering moisture.

According to the UK Met Office, the first part of the day in Birmingham is likely to be affected by wet weather, with rain probabilities fluctuating between 50% and 30% from 10 am to 2 pm local time (7:30 pm IST). The forecast suggests that "heavy rain will give way to overcast skies by lunchtime," with the chance of further showers decreasing to below 10% after 3 pm.

Historically, no team has scored more in the fourth innings to win a Test match than the West Indies, who made 418 against Australia in St John’s in 2003. England's equivalent record is 378, achieved against India at Edgbaston three years prior.

At the close of play on Saturday in Birmingham, England stood at 72-3, needing another 536 runs on the final day for a win.

Mohammed Siraj, who spearheaded India's attack with figures of 6-70 in the first innings, delivered an early blow by dismissing Zak Crawley for a duck.

Akash Deep, stepping in for the world's top-ranked fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, built on his first-innings four-wicket haul by bowling Ben Duckett (25) with a ball that nipped back. He then clean bowled Joe Root for just six.