Day 3 of the ongoing first Test between India and England at Leeds ended with rain interruptions. Throughout the match, rain has made several appearances, affecting the flow of play. As a result, fans are now eagerly waiting to know how the weather will behave on Day 4. Will rain continue to play the villain in the IND vs ENG clash? If rain returns, which team currently holds the edge? And if there’s no interruption, what target should India set to aim for victory? Let’s answer all these questions.
Low Chances of Rain on Day 4 at Headingley
Rain is unlikely to interrupt play on the fourth day of the India vs England Test. As per Accuweather, there’s a higher chance of rain only till around 7 AM local time. The match is scheduled to begin at 11 AM local time, and the forecast suggests clear skies during the game hours. This means we can expect uninterrupted play on Day 4.
Which Team Has the Upper Hand?
When India ended Day 1 at 359/3, it seemed they had the upper hand. But England bounced back strongly on Day 2, taking the remaining 7 Indian wickets for just 41 runs and bowling India out for 471. Then, with the bat, England posted 465 by the end of Day 3, staging a solid comeback. India, in their second innings, reached 90/2 with a lead of 96 runs by stumps on Day 3.
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At this point, it’s difficult to say which team is ahead. Both sides are almost evenly poised. Day 4 will likely determine the direction of the match. If England can bowl India out quickly, they will gain the upper hand. But if India bat through the day and set a lead of 350+ runs, they will take control of the match.
Even a 400-Run Target Isn’t Safe at Headingley
Historically, even a target of 400 hasn’t been safe at Headingley. Back in 1948, Australia successfully chased down 404 against England at this very ground. In the 21st century alone, teams have chased 250+ targets five times, 300+ targets three times, and even 350+ once at Headingley. So, India will need to be cautious and aim for a big lead to put pressure on England.
