With India needing 157 runs to win with 9 wickets in hand on Day 5, the stage is set for a theatre finish in the Nottingham Test. There is a minimum of 98 overs to be bowled, so – weather permitting – time is not going to be a matter of concern.
So far, we have been very lucky with the weather in this Test match. The rain has mostly stayed away from Nottingham despite predictions of heavy downpour and floods by the local met department. However, the weather department has predicted heavy rain and thunderstorms on Sunday as well, which can play spoilsport to what is expected to be an intriguing day’s play.
The chances of rain hovers around 49 to 61 percent throughout the day. And like Day 3, a yellow warning has been issued in Nottingham, and locals have been advised to stay indoor.
On Day 4, Joe Root led from the front with a superb counter-attacking 109, in 172 balls, but Jasprit Bumrah’s 5-64 made India favourites to chase down a tricky target of 209.
India got 14 overs to bat in the final hour of the day. They finished on 52/1, with Stuart Broad dismissing K.L. Rahul (26 off 38 balls) with a beauty. Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara were unbeaten on 12 each. If Virat Kohli & co. manage to achieve this target, it will be the joint third-highest run chase.
Betway Fantasy Tips for the Day
– If the weather allows the game to resume, the heavy overhead conditions will assist England’s four-seamer attack. James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Ollie Robinson will make the ball talk, while Sam Curran is also expected to play a decent support act.
– For India, Rohit needs to play a crucial role. An early wicket can open the floodgates, and it will not be easy for a new batter to settle down when the ball is doing all kinds of tricks. Rohit has to be there for the long haul.
– Rishabh Pant may very well be India’s trump card. With not many runs to get, a quickfire counterattacking 40-50 can change the momentum. If Pant starts playing his shots, Root will be reluctant to keep the close-in fielders, which will narrow down the wicket-taking opportunities for England.