India vs England 2021, 5th Test: Weather Forecast and Pitch Report

India will take on England in the fifth Test of the five-match series at Emirates Old Trafford Stadium from 10^th September to 14^th September. India registered a 157-run win against England in the fourth Test at Kennington Oval to take a 2-1 lead in the series. Ahead of the final match of the series, India would be aiming for a win and thereby claim the series by a 3-1 margin.

India were put to bat first in the last Test and were bundled out for just 191 runs. Making his comeback after injury, Chris Woakes ran through India’s batting line, picking 4 for 55 in 15 overs. Skipper, Virat Kohli scored a half-century off 96 balls, including 8 fours. Besides, Shardul Thakur’s fightback (57 off 36) ensured India don’t bundle out for anything less than 150.

Jasprit Bumrah gave an ideal start with the ball in the second innings, sending both English openers back to the hut in his second over. Umesh Yadav then ran through England’s middle order but valuable contributions from Ollie Pope (81 of 159), Bairstow (37 off 77), and Chris Woakes (50 off 60) helped England take a 99-run first-innings lead in the end. England ended their innings at 290 for 10.

India needed a good start in their second innings and the openers gave just that. Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul saw out the difficult period with ease and ensured India don’t lose early wickets. The duo added 83 runs for the opening wicket before KL Rahul went back after scoring 46.

Rohit Sharma, however, held the fort and went on to score his first-ever overseas century. He scored 127 runs off 256 balls, while Pujara and Kohli too played valuable knocks. A hundred run-partnership between Rishabh Pant and Shardul Thakur helped India post a mammoth 466-run target, giving England a 368-run target to win the game.

The English openers, Rory Burns (50 off 125) and Haseeb Hameed (63 of 193) gave a fine start, however, a superb spell from Jasprit Bumrah triggered an English collapse on the final day after Lunch. England, as a result, were bowled out for 210 runs and thereby lost the game by 157 runs.

India vs England 2021, 5th Test Weather Forecast and Pitch Report

The weather forecast for the first couple of days shows slight chances of rain. Showers are primarily expected over the first couple of days. The average temperature should be around 18 degrees celsius, although the general weather conditions throughout the match should be drier.

The Pitch at Emirates Oval is hailed as one of the quickest in world cricket. However, the wicket at Old Trafford might wear out as the game goes on and spinners might come into play. For those of you, who don’t know this is the home ground of James Anderson. And with overcast conditions, expect him to make wreak havoc with the ball. The first innings should be the best time to bat for both sides.