Last Update on: July 5th, 2022 at 11:22 am
After three days of rain interruptions, the play was undisturbed on Day 4 as the fifth Test between England and India moved at a fast pace with a result guaranteed on Day 5 unless weather plays spoilsport.
As things stand, England is sitting comfortably on 259/3, well ahead in their pursuit of achieving their best-ever run chase in Test history (378), beating their previous best of 359 at Headingley against Australia.
Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root hold all the aces going into the final day, with both batters set to get to their respective centuries unless a fatal lapse in concentration jolts them.
The series is in India’s favor as they hold a 2-1 lead but the hosts have nothing to lose and will go hell-for-leather, as has been the approach under the new head coach, Brendon McCullum.
Additionally, a loss here will hurt Rohit Sharma and co’s chances of reaching the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-23 cycle, which will be held at Lord’s, similar to the last time.
IND vs ENG: Birmingham Weather Forecast And Pitch Report On Day 4
As per a report on weather.com, the temperature in the morning is expected to be around 15° C and Edgbaston is expected to be under cloud cover throughout the day.
The chance of rain is highly unlikely and a result is likely inside the first two sessions. The surface continues to play good with the occasional uneven bounce, as was seen a few times on days 3 & 4.
The Indians will be bowling with the old ball but they’ve been able to generate a considerable amount of swing nonetheless.
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