Rain covers on the pitch ahead of a nets session at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester. (Image: Richard Sellers/PA Wire)
It’s good news for cricket fans heading to Old Trafford for this week’s highly-anticipated fourth test showdown between England and India, as heavy rain over recent days looks set to make way for clear and dry conditions.
Both nations will continue to compete for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy from Wednesday until Sunday, with Brendon McCullum’s men leading 2-1 in the five-match series.
While there is plenty to reflect on from the opening three games, all attention turns to the weather forecast for Manchester in the lead up to this crucial clash.
According to the latest Met Office forecast, the first day of the test will be a balanced one.
A relatively dry morning will make way for a 40% chance of rain around midday, with overcast conditions expected throughout the rest of the day’s play.
On Thursday, clouds will be broken up by sunny intervals as play gets underway from 11am.
Temperatures will hover around the 20C mark for much of the afternoon, allowing for close to perfect playing conditions.
Friday and Saturday are expected to be warmer with little to no rain predicted on either day.
Wind gusts will start to pick up going into the weekend which could have an effect on play.
A cloudy start to the final day of the test match on Sunday will be followed by light showers by late morning.
There is a 60% chance of precipitation from around 10am which will remain until mid-afternoon, bringing about the heaviest downpour players will have to contend with across the five days.
If the rain manages to stay away for much of the week as expected, both teams will be eager to take advantage.
India will be keen to level the series going into the final test, and bag their first-ever win at the Manchester venue – they have four losses and five draws across nine attempts.
England, on the other hand, will look to draw on the support of the home crowd to get their hands on the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
