Rain delay on Day 5 of India vs England Test created uncertainty in what was shaping up to be a thrilling finish at Edgbaston. With India needing just seven more wickets to win and level the series 1-1, the morning rain threatened to spoil their plans.
Morning Showers Push Back Start Time
Rain interrupted play before the scheduled start, delaying the Day 5 action between India and England. Covers stayed on well into the late morning, frustrating both teams and fans alike. Eventually, play resumed around 12:40 PM local time after a revised inspection, giving teams roughly 80 overs for the final day.
India’s Victory Hopes Take a Hit
India had set a record target of 608 runs, thanks to Shubman Gill’s brilliant double-ton and a solid bowling performance that reduced England to 72/3 at stumps on Day 4. However, the rain delay on Day 5 meant less time for bowlers like Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj to make inroads on a slow pitch that had offered early movement with the new ball.
England Shift to Survival Mode
Chasing a near-impossible target, England’s batters needed to survive the opening spells after the delay. Instead of an aggressive Bazball approach, they focused on conserving wickets and batting time. With rain reducing overs, England’s best chance was to hold out for a draw.
Day 4 Stumps 🔥
— wicketbuzz (@wicketbuzz) July 5, 2025
England need 536 runs in 90 overs!
Do they dare to dream or will India wrap it up?
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Revised Session Timings and Conditions
To compensate for the lost time, the session timings were adjusted:
- Session 1: 12:40 – 14:30 BST
- Session 2: 15:10 – 17:10 BST
- Session 3: 17:30 – 19:00 BST
Thankfully, skies cleared by late morning, allowing play to resume under decent conditions.
Final Thoughts: Time Ticking for India
Despite dominating the match, India now face a race against time. The rain delay on Day 5 may leave them short of overs to complete the job. As conditions improve, Indian bowlers will need to strike quickly, while England hopes the weather — and some resilience — can save them.
