ENG vs IND 2025: What will happen if rain washes out Day 5 of the Oval Test?

Bad Light and rain became a spoilsport

It seemed that the last session of Day 4 of the fifth ENG vs IND test would witness the result of the match, but suddenly, clouds interfered with the game. Due to bad light, the players were sent off the field, and shortly after that, rain knocked the doors of the match and ended the day. This decision became a cause of criticism by fans on social media, as they expected that the result of such an important Test series should be decided by playing in the field. England still need 35 runs, and India need four wickets if Woakes comes out to bat. All possible results are possible—India can win, England can complete the chase, the match can be tied, or it can be a draw due to rain.

Hopes and concerns related to Day 5 Weather Report 

The eyes of cricket lovers are now fixed on Monday, August 4. England's Oval ground can once again face the indifference of the weather. According to BBC Weather, the morning session is likely to be cloudy but dry. This can become a golden opportunity for the Indian bowlers to get swing, especially when the new ball is available. However, rain is expected around 1 pm, i.e. Lunch Break.

This time will be very important from the point of view of the result of the match because if India scalp four wickets quickly in the morning session, then the series can be tied 2-2. On the other hand, if England are able to add 35 runs in the first hour, then the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy can be decided in their favour 3-1.

AccuWeather also provides a similar forecast. According to that, the chances of rain will increase to around 60 per cent after 2 pm. The most disappointing forecast is that of the Met Office, which has already talked about 40 per cent rain since 11 am. After this, by mid-day, this possibility can go up to 60 per cent, and it can rain continuously till 5 pm. If this scenario comes out and not a single ball can be bowled, then the match will be declared a draw, and England will still win the series 2-1.

Do India have a Plan B?

Gill and his team know that a morning session can decide their fate. The bowling attack led by Mohammed Siraj is capable of taking wickets quickly with the new ball. Both Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna are adept at swinging the ball. It is expected that Team India will take advantage of the morning moisture and overcast conditions and wrap up England's tail quickly. On the other hand, England have also suffered a big blow with the dismissal of Joe Root as their lower order can be exposed in the morning session with an injured Chris Woakes.

Fans and Broadcasters' heartbeats fast

The packed crowd at the Oval is enjoying the thrill of Test cricket and crores of people are glued to the TV screens. Rain delay can also affect business angles like broadcasting rights, advertising commitments and ticket refunds. This nail-biting finish is also important for broadcasters in terms of revenue. Players like Jamie Overton and Jamie Smith assure that England know how to fight and get over the line. At the same time, the Indian camp are aware that if the rain starts in the early morning, then their efforts may be in vain.

History is also standing as a spectator

There have been such occasions in the Oval before when rain has dashed India's hopes. In 2018, India had to face rain in the middle of an interesting chase on the last day at the Oval. This time, the team has come back with better preparation, but the Weather Gods can become the biggest decider of this match. India have no other options rather to hope that play is possible, so that either England go up 3-1, or India level the series 2-2.

Expectations, excitement and uncertainty

Test cricket has always been known to test patience and temperament. Day 5 of the Oval Test is going to be a symbol of how the game becomes bigger than the conditions. If it rains and the whole day is washed out, the match will be a draw and England will win the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2-1. But if even one session is played and India take the four wickets, then this comeback will be an example of the courage and determination that makes India a cricket powerhouse. On the other hand, if England complete the run chase, then it can become one of the most memorable fourth-innings victories of this era. So whether the skies of the Oval are clear or it rains, there is bound to be a rain of excitement in the hearts of cricket lovers.