The first four days of the opening Test at Headingley have offered everything Test cricket fans could ask for. High-quality batting, gripping spells of fast bowling, fluctuating fortunes, and a great surface to have a healthy Test. While India and England gear up for what promises to be a dramatic Day 5, the weather in Leeds has emerged as the only potential dampener in what has otherwise been a near-perfect Test match.
Set a challenging 371 to win, England ended Day 4 at 21/0, needing 350 more runs. India, on the other hand, require 10 wickets. With a deteriorating pitch, uneven bounce, and both teams committed to a result, all four outcomes – India win, England win, draw, and even a tie – remain theoretically on the table.
However, the real twist could come from above. After largely clear skies through the first four days (except for minor interruptions on Days 2 and 3), overnight showers and a grim forecast for Day 5 could play spoilsport.
Leeds Weather Report 1st Test Day 5
According to multiple forecasts, including BBC Weather and AccuWeather, there is a significant chance of showers during the final day, especially around and after lunch.
| Time (IST) | Time (Local) | Chance of Rain |
|---|---|---|
| 2:30 PM | 10 AM | 55% |
| 3:30 PM | 11 AM (Start) | 40% |
| 4:30 PM | 12 PM | 43% |
| 6:30 PM | 2 PM | 47% |
| 7:30 PM | 3 PM | 52% |
| 8:30-10:30 PM | 4–6 PM | 48–50% |
While a complete washout is not expected, intermittent rain could result in several overs being lost — a scenario that could take the match towards a draw. Cold, breezy conditions (15–20°C) could also make batting tough, particularly against Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja.
