After a dominant Day 1 for India in the first Test against England at Headingley, Leeds, the weather forecast for Day 2 paints a rather grim picture, threatening to disrupt India's momentum. India ended day 1 at 359/3. The Met Office has issued a yellow alert for Leeds, indicating a high probability of rain and thunderstorms.
According to AccuWeather, while the morning may start with sunny and warm conditions, with temperatures around 28-29°C and a minimal 25% chance of rain, the weather is expected to deteriorate significantly as the day progresses. The afternoon holds a high chance of rain, with precipitation probabilities soaring to 86%. Cloud cover is expected to increase to around 45%, and humidity will likely rise to 57%. There's also a 31% chance of thunderstorms. Overall, there's a 77% chance of rain during the second and third sessions of the day.
Other sources corroborate this pessimistic forecast, with predictions of showers and thunderstorms throughout the day. Some reports suggest that the rain could be heavy, accompanied by hail and strong winds, with gusts reaching up to 48 km/h. The evening doesn't offer much respite, with temperatures dropping to around 20°C but the likelihood of rain increasing to 88%.
The potential impact of this weather on the match is considerable. The overcast skies and increased humidity will likely favor England's seam bowlers, who struggled on Day 1 in the sunny and warm conditions. With the ball expected to move more, they could pose a significant challenge to the Indian batters.
For India, the rain could break the momentum they built on the first day. Shubman Gill, who is playing his first Test as captain, and Rishabh Pant, who are currently at the crease, will need to adapt quickly to the changing conditions. The Indian bowlers, on the other hand, will welcome the change in weather, as it could provide them with much-needed assistance. Jasprit Bumrah, in particular, could play a crucial role, as he has a proven track record of taking wickets in such conditions.
Historically, Day 2 has been the best day for batting at Leeds, with the highest average score. However, with the weather expected to play a significant role, it remains to be seen whether this trend will continue. The start of play is likely to be on time, but rain clouds might take over through the day. While a complete washout is unlikely, the overhead conditions and cooler temperatures may significantly influence the day's play.
In summary, while India had a dream start to the Test match, the weather forecast for Day 2 suggests that rain is likely to play a spoilsport. The conditions are expected to favor England's seam bowlers, and India will need to adapt quickly to maintain their advantage.