India vs England fifth Test, Day 2 preview: Will rain disrupt play again on Friday?

London: Weather is once again poised to play a key role in the fifth and final Test between India and England at The Oval, with rain forecast for the final session of play on Friday. After a stop-start Day 1 that saw intermittent showers and overcast conditions aid the bowlers, Day 2 could be similarly frustrating for both sides.

According to Met department data, Friday’s conditions will remain overcast throughout the day with temperatures hovering around 15–16°C. While the first two sessions are expected to go uninterrupted, there is a significant chance of rain returning in the evening — potentially curtailing play in the final two hours.

India, who need a win to level the five-match series 2-2, ended Day 1 on 204 for 6 after being put in to bat. The conditions made life difficult for the visitors, with England’s pacers extracting swing and seam movement on a green-tinged surface. While the home bowlers often struggled with consistency, they still found enough assistance to take control of the day.

Recalled fast bowlers Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue led the charge with two wickets apiece. Atkinson, playing on his home ground, also produced a sharp run-out to remove Indian skipper Shubman Gill for 21. Tongue, though erratic at times, bowled two outstanding deliveries to dismiss Sai Sudharsan and Ravindra Jadeja — both caught behind by wicketkeeper Jamie Smith.

India’s innings was held together by the returning Karun Nair, who reached a gritty unbeaten 52. He found support late in the day from Washington Sundar (19 not out), with the pair adding an unbroken 51-run stand for the seventh wicket.

Earlier, Yashasvi Jaiswal fell lbw to Atkinson on review for just 2, while KL Rahul played on for 14 off Chris Woakes — who later left the field with a suspected shoulder injury. Dhruv Jurel, filling in for the injured Rishabh Pant, was caught at second slip off Atkinson for 19.

Despite England’s six wickets, there was criticism of the home side’s bowling unit for failing to fully exploit the helpful conditions. With India still having batting depth and clouds set to linger over The Oval, the match remains finely balanced — but the threat of rain adds further uncertainty.

India made four changes to their XI, including resting Jasprit Bumrah, who was pre-scheduled to play only three Tests in the series. England, missing Ben Stokes, were led by Ollie Pope and made four changes of their own — including the return of Atkinson and Tongue.

The question now shifts to whether the weather will allow enough time for a result to emerge. With two evenly matched sides and plenty left to play for, Day 2 could prove crucial — if the skies hold up.