By Krishna Dua 
Rain Halts Play: A Frustrating Start in Manchester
The highly anticipated fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford has gotten off to a frustrating start, with heavy rain forcing a delay to the start of play on Day 1. As of 2:35 PM IST, the toss has not taken place, and the entire ground remains under covers. The ominous Manchester skies have delivered on their threat, with reports from the ground confirming that it is currently raining, dashing the hopes of a timely start to this crucial encounter.
With the series on the line at 2-1 in England’s favour, India was desperate for a solid start to keep their series hopes alive. However, the wet weather has put a halt to all proceedings, leaving players, officials, and a packed stadium of fans in a frustrating wait. The forecast for the day remains grim, with a high chance of further showers, raising concerns that a significant portion of Day 1, or even the entire day, could be washed out.
The Weather Report: Overcast Skies and a High Risk of Rain
The weather forecast for Manchester today, July 23, 2025, has been the primary topic of discussion in the lead-up to the Test, and it has proven to be a major factor. The skies over Old Trafford are dark and overcast, with temperatures remaining cool at around 18°C. According to a report from the UK Met Office, there is a 30% chance of rain throughout the day, a figure which has been revised by other sources, with some indicating a higher probability of precipitation.
Even if the rain stops, the heavy cloud cover is a constant threat and will ensure conditions remain ideal for swing and seam bowling. The ground has been under covers for much of the past week, and the surface is expected to be damp and juicy, offering a great deal of assistance to the fast bowlers. This makes the toss, whenever it happens, a crucial event.
Impact on the Match: Toss Delay and Strategic Headaches
The persistent rain and subsequent delay in the toss have created a strategic headache for both captains, Shubman Gill and Ben Stokes. While both teams are keen to get on the field, the conditions will heavily influence their decisions.
- Toss Strategy: If a toss does occur, the captain who wins will almost certainly choose to bowl first. The overcast skies, coupled with a damp pitch, provide a fantastic opportunity for the fast bowlers to make early inroads.
- India’s Bowling Attack: For India, this could be a major advantage. Led by Jasprit Bumrah and the aggressive Mohammed Siraj, the Indian pace attack will be licking their lips at the prospect of bowling in these conditions. They will be looking to exploit the seam and swing to put England’s ‘Bazball’ approach under pressure. India’s bowling has already been hit by injuries to Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh, making Bumrah and Siraj’s roles even more critical.
- England’s Aggressive Approach: England, on the other hand, will have to adapt their free-scoring batting style. They will need to show more patience and defensive solidity against the moving ball. The conditions will test their mental fortitude and tactical flexibility.
The Bigger Picture: A Series on the Line
With England holding a 2-1 lead, India desperately needs to win this Test to keep the series alive. A draw, or a washout of Day 1, would significantly impact India’s chances of leveling the series, as it shortens the amount of time they have to force a result. For England, the rain is less of a concern, as any result other than a loss brings them closer to winning the series.
For fans, the wait is agonizing. Many have travelled to Manchester to witness the match, only to be greeted by grey skies and rain-soaked covers. Both the players and the crowd are playing a frustrating waiting game, with the only real update being the status of the rain. The toss, which was scheduled for 3:00 PM IST, has been indefinitely delayed, with umpires expected to conduct an inspection as soon as the rain stops.
Conclusion: A Waiting Game for Everyone
The start of the IND vs ENG 4th Test has been delayed due to heavy rain in Manchester. With a high risk of more showers throughout the day, there is a strong possibility that play on Day 1 will be washed out. The fate of the opening day’s play now rests entirely on the unpredictable Manchester weather. As fans and players await further updates, one thing is certain: the series-defining clash has been put on hold, and the wait for the first ball has become a major talking point.
- IND vs ENG 4th Test: Gill Leads Without Rohit — Can India Win?
- ICC to Scrap Two-Ball Rule in ODIs 2025