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As the riveting Headingley Test between England and India approaches its climax, all outcomes—an England chase, an Indian win, or a dramatic draw—remain on the table. Yet, as Day 5 dawns, the biggest player might not wear whites. With rain hovering on the radar for much of the final day, both teams and fans are bracing for a nervy finish shaped as much by the skies as by the bat and ball.
KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant lead India’s fightback, but England claw back
India’s second innings was shaped by two contrasting yet equally brilliant hundreds. KL Rahul, at his technically best, constructed a fluent innings built on timing and precision. Rishabh Pant, ever the maverick, combined stubborn defence with explosive bursts, unsettling England’s bowlers with his trademark flair. Their 195-run partnership gave India the upper hand, threatening to bat England out of the match.
But Pant’s rush of adrenaline saw him fall to Shoaib Bashir, triggering a familiar Indian collapse. The second new ball wreaked havoc as England wrapped up the final six wickets for just 31 runs. From a daunting total in the making, India’s lead settled at 370. By stumps on Day 4, England had reached 21/0 in their chase, leaving the match finely poised.
Day 5 Weather Forecast: Frequent rain showers to threaten momentum
Unfortunately, Headingley’s final day might not see a full quota of play. According to BBC forecasts, light rain is expected on and off throughout Tuesday, with a moderate breeze and high humidity. These conditions could disrupt rhythm, test concentration, and play into the hands of whichever side handles the stop-start nature of play better.
Also READ: Top 5: Highest 4th innings run chases in Tests at Headingley, Leeds
Hour-by-Hour weather breakdown of Day 5
- 11:00 am – Light rain showers and a moderate breeze; Humidity: 84%, Rain Probability: 48%
- 12:00 pm – Light rain showers and a moderate breeze; Humidity: 81%, Rain Probability: 61%
- 01:00 pm – Light rain showers and a moderate breeze; Humidity: 78%, Rain Probability: 63%
- 02:00 pm – Light rain showers and a moderate breeze; Humidity: 75%, Rain Probability: 44%
- 03:00 pm – Light rain showers and a moderate breeze; Humidity: 72%, Rain Probability: 42%
- 04:00 pm – Light rain showers and a moderate breeze; Humidity: 70%, Rain Probability: 56%
- 05:00 pm – Light rain showers and a moderate breeze; Humidity: 69%, Rain Probability: 32%
- 06:00 pm – Sunny Intervals and a moderate breeze; Humidity: 69%, Rain Probability: 14%
- 07:00 pm – Sunny Intervals and a moderate breeze; Humidity: 67%, Rain Probability: 26%
All time local
The final day promises plenty of intrigue if the rain holds off. With England needing over 350 and India chasing 10 wickets, the game remains open. But ultimately, it might be the weather gods who decide whether Headingley ends in joy, heartbreak, or shared spoils.
