England prepare to take on India in the second Test of the five-match series starting July 2 at Edgbaston, Birmingham, attention is not only focused on the selections for the two teams but also on how weather conditions could affect the game. With England currently leading 1-0, the home team will try to pile pressure, while India will hope to come back strongly under the captaincy of Shubman Gill.
India To Play 2nd Test Against England At Edgbaston
The prolonged interval of more than a week between the first and second Tests has given both teams time to review strategies. India are considering introducing left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, while Jofra Archer’s return to the England XI his first Test in four years is rumored. But ultimate squad choices will also depend considerably on the conditions of the pitch and the weather report, both of which are likely to be of major importance over the course of the five days of play.
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ENG Vs IND: Will It Rain In 2nd Test?
Weather conditions in Birmingham might play a determining role in the second India-England Test, according to AccuWeather.com. Here’s the day-by-day forecast:
July 2 (Tuesday): It should be mainly cloudy and cooler than normal, with periodic rain and a potential thunderstorm. An interrupted beginning to the match is a good bet.
July 3 (Wednesday): Things should get better, with partly sunny skies and warmer conditions creating perfect conditions for play.
July 4 (Thursday): The day will still be hot, although growing cloud cover is expected as it wears on.
July 5 (Friday): Cloudy weather will continue, and light showers are indicated, especially in the morning. Interruptions to play cannot be excluded.
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July 6 (Saturday): Thick cloud cover is predicted, with patchy morning showers and light rain during the afternoon. Weather may once more intrude into the final day’s play.
ENG Vs IND: Affect Of Weather On Pitch Conditions
The Edgbaston pitch usually delivers excellent pace and bounce initially before settling into a flat track. That’s why the first session of Day 1 is so important. But on the first morning, rain and humidity can leave some dampness in the surface, leading to swing and seam movement a plus for fast bowlers.
As the game wears on, the surface should dry and decelerate, with batting becoming simpler on Days 2 and 3. Spinners might become a factor from Day 3 onwards, if there is sufficient footmarks and wear.
But with possible rain interruptions on Days 1 and 5, sides will have to be desperate with their declarations and run rates to get a result. Bowlers who are able to use both reverse swing and late swing off the seam will be most important on this pitch in variable conditions.
