Weather Threatens India’s Bid to Square the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval

India and England are set for one last battle in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, with the fifth and final Test starting on Thursday (July 31) at The Oval. England lead the series 2-1, but Shubman Gill’s side arrive in London with renewed confidence after grinding out a gutsy draw in Manchester. For India, the mission is clear: win and level the series.

But while both teams prepare for a fierce contest, another opponent could have the biggest say — the weather. Forecasts suggest the decider might be disrupted heavily by rain and thunderstorms. According to AccuWeather, Thursday morning could begin with showers and grey skies, potentially delaying the toss itself. By afternoon, thunderstorms are predicted between 3 and 5 PM, which might bring multiple interruptions. 

The UK Met Office has already issued a yellow weather warning for July 31, cautioning about storms. Rain chances are estimated at 80% around the scheduled start, which means the first ball could be pushed back. Showers are expected to linger throughout the day, only easing toward stumps. And things don’t look much better on Friday, with more rain and gloomy skies predicted for Day 2. 

If the forecast holds, India will need to brace for stop-start cricket that could test both their concentration and tactical flexibility. Rain chances rise to around 90% between 10 AM and 2 PM on Thursday, with temperatures hovering near 20°C. That leaves captains with tricky decisions at the toss — not least because India haven’t won a single toss all series. 

Gill’s men can take encouragement from their Old Trafford fightback, where they stood tall against an English batting lineup that piled up runs with ease. The visitors know they cannot afford lapses this time, especially with the series on the line. The Oval pitch traditionally offers something for everyone — early assistance for pacers, a true surface for batters, and some turn late in the game — but all of that could be thrown into disarray if weather dictates terms. 

For fans, the script has everything — a tight scoreline, a chance for redemption, and the unpredictability of English weather. But as things stand, the skies over London may yet decide who walks away with the trophy.

Also Read: India Forfeit WCL Semifinal Against Pakistan, Hafeez’s Men March Into Final