ENG vs IND: Weather Forecast for Day 3 of Manchester Test

England ended Day 2 of the ongoing Manchester Test in a commanding position, finishing at 225/2 — just 133 runs behind India’s first-innings total of 358. As the action moves into Day 3, the home side will resume with Joe Root and Ollie Pope at the crease. For India, the main goal will be to take quick wickets early and try to shift the momentum back in their favour.

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There were a few light rain interruptions on Day 2, but weather is expected to be better on Day 3. According to AccuWeather, no significant rain is forecast. Temperatures will stay in the mid-20s, with some cloud cover and a gentle breeze expected throughout the day. These conditions may favour the batters again — especially the in-form English middle order. So, another hard day may lie ahead for India’s bowlers.

India had started Day 2 with an early blow as Ravindra Jadeja was dismissed quickly. Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur added 48 runs for the sixth wicket, but soon after, Shardul was out for 41. Just when it looked like the innings might end, Rishabh Pant surprised everyone.

Pant, who had retired hurt on Day 1 after scoring 37, hobbled back to the crease on Day 2. Despite wearing protective boots earlier in the morning, he walked out to a standing ovation from the Old Trafford crowd. His courage, grit, and determination were praised by all. He added 17 more runs to his overnight score, reaching a valiant 54 before Jofra Archer bowled him with a beauty.

India’s innings eventually ended at 358 in 114.1 overs. England captain Ben Stokes led the bowling attack with a five-wicket haul. Archer picked up three wickets, while Chris Woakes and Liam Dawson took one each.

England trail by 133 runs with eight wickets in hand

In reply, England made a dominant start with the bat. Openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett put on 166 runs in just 32 overs for the first wicket. Crawley missed his century by six runs, getting out for 94, while Duckett made 84. 

However, Joe Root and Ollie Pope looked solid and remained unbeaten at stumps. With eight wickets in hand and just 133 runs behind, England will look to take the lead quickly and strengthen their grip on the match. For India, the first session on Day 3 will be crucial.

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