Rain win in 5 days to spoil Shubman Gill’s party with India?

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.

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.